Forbes Middle East Reveals Its Sustainability Leaders 2026

Forbes Middle East has unveiled the fourth edition of its annual ranking, The Middle East’s Sustainability Leaders 2026, recognizing 145 executives advancing the region’s transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy. Across major industries, they are accelerating decarbonization, driving climate action, promoting innovation, and shaping the region’s long-term sustainability agenda.

The list spans 17 sectors: banks, development funds, energy and utilities, family businesses, financial services, food and agriculture, freezones, healthcare, investments and holding companies, manufacturing and industrials, oil and gas, real estate and construction, renewable energy, technology and telecom, transport and logistics, travel and tourism, and waste management. The UAE-based leaders lead with 75 entries, followed by Saudi Arabia with 29, and Qatar and Egypt with 14 each.

For this year’s ranking, Forbes Middle East reviewed questionnaires, sustainability and ESG reports, official disclosures, and recent performance metrics to assess listees on their measurable ESG commitments, adoption of sustainable technology, and alignment with regional Net Zero targets. Entries were ranked within each sector, with greater weight given to the measures most relevant to each sector.

Across the Middle East, companies are using automation and AI to improve resource efficiency, while extreme heat and water scarcity drive demand for efficient cooling, water reuse, and resilient food production. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reports that renewable energy capacity across Arab countries grew 28.9% to 53.1 GW in 2025

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) mobilized $31.1 billion in sustainable and transition finance in 2025, reaching 76% of its $136 billion target. Masdar’s operating projects generated 40.2 TWh of clean electricity that year, and in July 2026, it reached financial close on a landmark $6.1 billion project combining 5.2 GW of solar capacity with 19 GWh of battery storage. By June 2026, Saudi Energy had connected approximately 17.8 GW of renewable capacity to the national grid and energized 18 GWh of battery storage. In manufacturing, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) inaugurated the UAE’s largest aluminium recycling plant in 2026, lifting its total capacity above 400,000 tonnes annually.

Click here for the full list of the Middle East’s Sustainability Leaders 2026.

The Forbes Middle East Sustainability Leaders’ Summit 2026 will be held in Abu Dhabi on October 19-20. To find out more, click here. 

The Middle East’s Sustainability Leaders 2026