Brands That Matter 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions

What is ‘Brands That Matter’ and how is it different from Fast Company Middle East’s existing awards?

Fast Company Middle East has been recognizing exceptional achievements through various awards and summits.

The Most Innovative Companies award celebrates organizations that are transforming industries and society with paradigm-shifting products, insights, or services.

The Most Creative People in Business award honors individuals across sectors who have led their fields forward in new, impactful ways.

The Innovation by Design summit addresses some of the world’s most challenging issues through design solutions.

The Best Workplaces for Women award recognizes companies that foster cultures of innovation, encouraging employees to explore, discover, and invent.

Fast Company Middle East’s Brands That Matter spotlights brands that redefine the relationship between business and culture through strategic creativity, forging an emotional connection with their audience.

Applications for the Brands That Matter program are now open.

Have any questions or concerns? Email us at mir@fastcompanyme.com

What are the award categories?

All applications will automatically be considered for the Brands That Matter list, which will highlight over 100 brands across various industries. Applicants may also opt to apply to specific categories, with multiple honorees recognized within each category.

Brands That Matter (applications automatically entered)

We’ll name 100+ brands by industry that build a connection with their audiences by being culturally relevant, making an impact, and communicating their mission clearly. Brands will be evaluated against peers in their industry.

General Excellence

The best of the best. The most relevant and influential brands in any industry anywhere in the Middle East.

Years in Business

Be recognized as a Brand That Matters within your company’s years in business
• Years in Business: On the rise: 0-4 Years in Business
• Years in Business: Established Excellence 5-14 Years
• Years in Business: Enduring Impact: 15+ Years in Business

Heritage Brands

The iconic legacy brands that stand the test of time. The brands that captivate consumers by celebrating tradition while embracing innovation and have an established authenticity, often over generations.

Family of Brands

More than a parent company, but stewards of the brands we love. These companies are that steer a portfolio of individual brands that stand strong on their own but are a cultural powerhouse as a collective.

Applications for the Brands That Matter program are now open.

Have any questions or concerns? Email us at mir@fastcompanyme.com

Why enter?

Brands sit at the intersection of business and culture, a dynamic Fast Company Middle East has long chronicled, exploring how each influences the other.

With Brands That Matter, we aim to honor those who not only know why they exist but are also able to creatively and effectively communicate that purpose to their audience. Clarity of purpose and the impact of its communication are key to any brand’s ability to tap into and even influence culture.

We’re looking for brands to share how they define success over the past year, how they’ve managed to build and maintain it, how their work intersects with business and culture, and how they’re crafting relationships with fans and customers to forge a better future. Does this sound like you?

Brand Exposure – Be seen and evaluated by Fast Company editors and reporters.
Recognition – Speaking opportunities at Fast Company Middle East events and exclusive invitations to influencer-only events
Exclusivity – Gain entry into this bold community of creative thinkers and professionals

Applications for the Brands That Matter program are now open.

Have any questions or concerns? Email us at mir@fastcompanyme.com