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.

Empowering women reshapes industries, communities, and markets. These organizations are led or supported by women who drive innovation, resilience, and impact at every level. They amplify voices, foster opportunities, and challenge norms, and are investing in women-backed initiatives to unlock growth, creativity, and lasting influence.

Binance

For advancing women’s participation and financial inclusion

Binance has strengthened its position as a catalyst for digital asset adoption in the Middle East, while also advancing women’s participation and financial inclusion. In 2025, the company signed multiple MOUs in Sharjah and Pakistan to integrate blockchain and crypto education into university programs, enabling more women to pursue careers in digital finance. It launched Sharia Earn, the first multi-token Halal staking service certified by Amanie Advisors, giving women investors access to Sharia-compliant earning opportunities. Binance also expanded into Syria, introducing secure DeFi solutions and cross-border payment systems that support underserved communities, including women-led enterprises. Initiatives such as Humans of Binance and Binance Link in Kazakhstan have empowered women entrepreneurs to grow their businesses through Binance’s global infrastructure and liquidity network. 

Huda Beauty

For creating culturally grounded beauty experiences

Huda Beauty marked a defining moment in June as founder Huda Kattan repurchased the brand’s equity from TSG Consumer Partners, restoring full ownership. As the brand continues to translate real-world consumer insights into high-performance, culturally resonant products, this move underscores its commitment to maintaining independence. Products are developed based on direct consumer feedback, with innovation at the core of the brand’s identity. The limited-edition Faux Filler Jelly Oil Kalamantina, created with Palestinian artist Saint Levant, celebrates heritage while supporting Palestinian agriculture through charitable proceeds. Guided by founder-led authenticity, inclusivity, and emotional storytelling, Huda Beauty stands apart by creating meaningful, culturally grounded beauty experiences that redefine modern luxury and global relevance.

L’Oréal Middle East 

For redefining beauty leadership, advocating for women’s visibility

L’Oréal has strengthened its cultural and social impact in the region by redefining beauty as a vehicle for empowerment and representation. Through the Sit El Beit campaign, the brand positions women as leaders and changemakers. The multi-platform campaign spanned film, out-of-home activations, influencer storytelling, and social media across TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube, and was supported by more than 200 influencers. By blending creative excellence with purposeful messaging, L’Oréal Paris continues to redefine beauty leadership, advocating for women’s visibility, confidence, and empowerment while shaping broader cultural and economic progress across the region.