Explore the Fast Company Middle East’s Most Innovative Companies 2025 list, featuring 56 winning entries reshaping businesses and industries. We’ve selected the companies making the most significant impact with their initiatives across 24 categories, including the most innovative AI and data science, sustainability, energy, finance & fintech, and women-backed companies.

Meaningful change emerges when environmental and social priorities are treated as business imperatives. Companies that innovate sustainably unlock efficiency, growth, and stakeholder trust. These companies are making a real impact by aligning strategy with measurable outcomes and responsible practices. They combine intelligence, creativity, and execution to create a society where progress and preservation coexist.

Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE)

For integrated, sustainable energy and mobility

EtihadWE has accelerated its transformation into a smart, low-carbon utility by linking clean energy, digital innovation, and customer engagement. Major initiatives include the installation of more than 500,000 smart water and electricity meters under its Advanced Metering Infrastructure, providing real-time consumption data, predictive maintenance, and early leak detection. The Distributed Solar System enables households, farms, and industries to contribute solar power to the grid through an energy-credit model that promotes the adoption of decentralized renewable energy. EtihadWE’s transition to reverse osmosis desalination has reduced energy consumption by over 60 percent, while its non-revenue water reduction program has cut water losses by more than 19 percent. UAEV, the country’s first government-owned EV charging network, has expanded with more than 120 chargers. By integrating generation, distribution, and mobility, EtihadWE is optimizing resources and advancing the UAE’s Net Zero and Energy Strategy 2050 goals.

FIVE Holdings 

For sustainable luxury hospitality

FIVE Holdings has demonstrated leadership in sustainable luxury hospitality through FIVE Luxe JBR, a flagship property that integrates design, energy efficiency, and wellness into one cohesive ecosystem. The hotel operates entirely on solar power. IoT-enabled systems, including guest room management and balcony sensors, have reduced per-room energy use by up to 20 percent. At the same time, closed-loop water recycling recovers more than 25 million litres annually. Circular waste management has diverted over 40 tonnes of waste from landfills, and the No Bin Day initiative has reduced food waste by 70 percent. Sustainability is woven into both operations and guest experiences. This eco-conscious model enhances operational efficiency, market performance, and long-term impact across FIVE Holdings’ portfolio.