Explore the Fast Company Middle East’s Most Innovative Companies 2023 list; featuring 42 winning entries reshaping businesses and industries. We’ve selected the companies making the most significant impact with their initiatives across 23 categories, including the most innovative services, sustainability & cleantech and retail companies.

Technology is rapidly transforming the world, and businesses are increasingly embracing new technologies to improve their operations and deliver better customer value. This year’s most innovative emerging tech companies are leading the way with cutting-edge technologies such as autonomous robotics and quantum computing to ultra-low noise timing IC chips that solve real-world problems and transform industries.

Pearl Semiconductor 

For being a new chip on the block

With the growing importance of cloud computing and storage, and with 5G driving greater network density, the global market is seeing a surge in demand for high-frequency data connectivity that, in turn, requires ultra-low noise timing IC chips and programmability.

Egyptian company Pearl Semiconductor patented all-digital PLL technology for ultra-low-noise timing solutions. Its SpurFree architecture is critical in timing solutions for next-generation connectivity standards that will handle increasing data flow within and between data centers, including optical transmission networks and 5G backhaul. With the geopolitical situation between the US and China, the need for a non-US supplier of such devices is critical. The technology is the foundation for building a full-breadth line of products, including programmable reference clocks, multi-output clock generators, clock buffers, jitter attenuators, and network synchronizers.

Technology Innovation Institute

For broadening the region’s technology landscape

Three years since its establishment, the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has made strides in fortifying Abu Dhabi’s research and development ecosystem by bringing together subject matter experts, researchers, and a cadre of exceptional UAE national researchers. TII’s accomplishments include launching the Falcon series of large language models as open source and pioneering the Arab world’s Quantum Qubit. The institute weighs in on fields ranging from quantum entanglement and autonomous robotics to cutting-edge materials science and cybersecurity. Additionally, TII developed the first-ever kW-class High Power Fiber Laser in the Middle East, solidifying its position as a leader in the region’s research and innovation landscape.