Creativity today is no longer a nice-to-have. It is the force shaping how businesses grow, how societies evolve, and how progress is measured. From tackling environmental challenges to transforming culture, media, and technology, the individuals recognised in Most Creative People in Business are redefining what impact looks like across industries.

The Most Creative People in Business list is marked by an invite-only gala attended by senior leaders, decision-makers, and cultural influencers. It honours individuals whose work extends beyond personal success to create meaningful influence. These are people who connect disciplines, challenge established thinking, and offer ideas that look far beyond the immediate horizon.

Those featured on the list shape how success is perceived and remembered. Their achievements become reference points not only for their industries but for society at large. What distinguishes them is their ability to think expansively and act with purpose, creating work that resonates well beyond their own sectors.

Over the years, honourees have shared a common ambition: to introduce innovation into their fields in ways that change outcomes. Their work has disrupted industries, delivered measurable results, and created ripple effects across markets and communities. Their influence has been felt and recognised.

As Most Creative People in Business returns on February 5, 2026, at Emirates Golf Club’s Pavilion in Dubai, the spotlight once again turns to individuals whose creativity has reshaped industries and inspired progress.

Supporting the platform in 2026 are partners whose work intersects with innovation and connectivity. Binance joins as a strategic partner to the Most Creative People in Business 2026, reflecting the growing role of blockchain and digital technologies in shaping new business models and creative economies across the region. Blacklane also joins as the mobility partner, supporting the programme and its events, and highlighting the role of responsible travel in enabling professional exchange.

Together, the partners contribute to initiatives that bring people and ideas together, reinforcing the purpose and impact recognised by the Most Creative People in Business.

Previous editions have celebrated leaders such as Her Highness Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Member of the Dubai Council, for her commitment to advancing culture and the arts in the UAE. The list has also recognised His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, for advancing the nation’s economic vision through global engagement, as well as Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, whose leadership helped strengthen Dubai’s position as a global tourism destination.

They are joined by innovators including His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, for building platforms that support future-focused ideas; Her Excellency Huda Al Hashimi, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs, for shaping the UAE’s long-term innovation agenda; and artist and philanthropist Sacha Jafri, whose humanitarian work through art has earned international recognition, including a Guinness World Record.

The list also honours business and cultural leaders such as Muna Al Gurg of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group for her contribution to philanthropy and enterprise; Joseph Bradley, CEO of NEOM Tech and Digital, for driving the digital vision behind Saudi Arabia’s landmark giga-project; and Patrick Chalhoub, Group President of Chalhoub Group, for redefining luxury retail in the Middle East.

From beauty entrepreneurs Huda and Mona Kattan of Huda Beauty, to Ammar Al Malik of Dubai Internet City and Dubai Outsource City, to Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah, the honourees reflect the diversity of creativity shaping the region. Media leaders such as Becky Anderson of CNN Abu Dhabi, cultural voices like Anas Bukhash, and sustainability-driven executives, including John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global, further underline the breadth of impact represented.

The recognition extends beyond business to trailblazers in entertainment, media, and sport. Honourees have included filmmaker Nayla Khaja, Cinema Akil founder Butheina Kazim, actors Aseel Omran and Hend Sabry, comedian Hamad Al Amari, Syrian swimmer Yusra Mardini, whose story reached global audiences through the film Swimmers, and digital creator Logina Salah.

At its core, Most Creative People in Business exists to amplify work that matters. It is about giving visibility to ideas that inspire, influence, and endure. The gala serves as a space where leaders from business, technology, and the arts come together to recognise achievement and build meaningful connections.

Being named to the list reflects sustained impact and purpose-driven creativity. As the 2026 edition gathers in Dubai, the focus remains on celebrating individuals whose work continues to shape industries and drive progress.