It was the most-anticipated event of the year in the business and tech world in the Middle East. Tonight, the Fast Company Middle East’s ongoing mission of creating a culture of innovation in the region, since it was launched, culminated with honoring the Most Innovative Companies 2022. 

The glittering ceremony saw over 200 iconic pioneers, VCs, ground-breaking innovators, and business leaders from across the region gather to hear the much-awaited results. The finest 42 companies, who reshaped their businesses and industries across 25 categories, including retail, enterprise, and energy, were recognized at an event held at Armani Hotel, Dubai.

The companies Fast Company Middle East honored ranged from established enterprises to startups that are focusing on artificial intelligence to improve business outcomes (IBM), developing new products in the health and wellness space and sourcing local produce (Barakat Group), disrupting on-demand shopping (RabbitMart), redefining early-stage education through neuroscience-based play tools (Monkibox), reinventing the luxury market by empowering local designers (Chalhoub Group) and developing tailor-made skin care products for the region (Peacefull). 

“Most Innovative Companies is one of our highly anticipated editorial efforts. It provides a snapshot and a road map for the future of innovation across the most dynamic sectors. And we were enthused by both the quantity and quality of the nominations received. Innovation is at the heart of everything we do and this list best reflects that,” said Ravi Raman, Publisher of Fast Company Middle East.

In addition to giving away the most prestigious awards to 42 innovative companies that spotlights cutting-edge business models, technology, or applications, the evening saw some standout acts, including performances by virtual reality performer and speed painter Cathy Deniset and a stunning dance show by the Neon Mob Troupe. Known for their meticulously choreographed dance style, blending technology and movement, the troupe performed in the UAE for the first time at the event. 

Honoring the finest, with hundreds of companies vying to compete in categories ranging from advertising and artificial intelligence to sustainability and fintech, and selecting the 42 most innovative companies was a mammoth task. A team of editors worked relentlessly, sorting and sifting through nominations to make the final decision. 

To see the full list of winners from the night, click here.

Since 2008, Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies has been the definitive source for recognizing organizations transforming industries and shaping society. 

Winning companies not only gain the Fast Company Middle East stamp of approval and appear on the website for making the biggest impact with their initiatives and breakthrough technology; they will also be featured in Fast Company Middle East magazine and get an automatic entry into the prestigious publication’s influencer community.

Dubai Internet City is a strategic partner for Fast Company Middle East’s Most Innovative Companies and is committed to nurturing innovative ideas with recognition and support.