In 2022, Fast Company Middle East celebrated excellence, creativity, and the amazing achievements of 35 leaders in its inaugural Most Creative People in Business. Each one has moved their industry forward with creativity that is already affecting their industries.

The list that was months in the making attempted true inclusion in every part because our stakeholders, including our readers, have come to look to the Fast Company Middle East for its understanding of the region, so it was important to choose the most inspiring leaders.

While we spent months researching, the views of every staff member of the editorial team were fundamental . Everyone had an opportunity to express an opinion and think about the Fast Company Middle East in perpetuity as a home of innovation and creativity. 

We wanted to make sure, it was our overwhelming concern as well, that we don’t miss out on the shapers of tomorrow – from government officials, athletes, and mental health advocates to journalists and artists who are pushing the boundaries. 

The honorees represented the region’s various countries, from UAE and Saudi to Egypt. The editorial team was set with the task at the start of February 2022; the results were an eclectic mix of achievers. They hailed from tech, media, healthcare, entertainment, finance, and more. 

The 2022 list included Her Highness Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, an accomplished F3 racer Amna Al Qubaisi and skin positivity influencer Logina Salah to sports pioneer and mental health advocate Amna Al Haddad.

The list also included the visionary behind Dubai’s rise as a global tourism hub, Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Joseph Bradley, CEO of TONOMUS, who is leading the vision and delivery of NEOM, and the leader of the region’s most prominent luxury retail house, Patrick Chalhoub, group president, Chalhoub Group.

Bradley, in his acceptance speech, summed up the prestigious list aptly. He said, “Diversity is much more than having different people in the room. What you have shown the world is that it’s about inclusion. It is the ability to drive the full participation of those individuals to create value ultimately.”

Most Creative People in Business 2022

Just as in 2022, the Most Creative People in Business 2023 list won’t be about power or lifetime achievement. However, the list will be expanded this year, not because we now have more voices in the room. We are researching those unique leaders having a meaningful impact–right now, which will make it unlike any other list you’ll see in the media. 

The 2023 list, to be announced on May 17, that we are compiling now is of groundbreakers. They will indicate where the creativity and innovation business will be heading this year and beyond.