Forbes Middle East Names Top Sustainability Leaders for 2026
The latest Forbes Middle East ranking highlights 145 executives driving sustainability in the region.
In its latest initiative to spotlight corporate sustainability, Forbes Middle East has published the fourth edition of its annual Sustainability Leaders 2026 report. This prestigious list recognizes 145 executives from the largest companies in the region who are spearheading the transition to a greener, low-carbon economy.
Diverse Leaders from the Region
This year's ranking features leaders from 17 different sectors. The sectors represented include:
- Banks
- Development Funds
- Energy and Utilities
- Family Businesses
- Financial Services
- Food and Agriculture
- Free zones
- 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
- Waste Management
Companies from the UAE led the rankings with 75 entries, followed by Saudi Arabia with 29, and both Qatar and Egypt contributing 14 entries each.
Assessing Sustainability Efforts
Forbes Middle East conducted thorough assessments involving questionnaires, sustainability reports, official disclosures, and performance metrics. The leaders were evaluated based on:
- Measurable ESG commitments
- Adoption of sustainable technologies
- Alignment with regional Net Zero targets
These evaluations allowed for a nuanced ranking of executives within their respective sectors, placing greater emphasis on criteria most pertinent to their industries.
Innovations Driving Sustainability
Across the Middle East, businesses are leveraging advancements in automation and artificial intelligence to enhance resource efficiency. The realities of extreme heat and water scarcity have also increased the need for effective cooling systems, water reuse technologies, and resilient food production methods. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), renewable energy capacity in Arab nations surged by 28.9%, reaching 53.1 GW in 2025.
For instance, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) mobilized a significant $31.1 billion in sustainable finance, achieving 76% of its overarching $136 billion target. Meanwhile, Masdar's operational projects generated an impressive 40.2 TWh of clean electricity. In a landmark development, they secured financing for a bold $6.1 billion project that integrates 5.2 GW of solar capacity with 19 GWh of battery storage.
By June 2026, Saudi Energy successfully connected around 17.8 GW of renewable energy generation to the national grid, complementing this with 18 GWh of battery storage. In the manufacturing domain, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) launched the largest aluminium recycling facility in the UAE, raising its overall capacity to over 400,000 tonnes annually.
Looking Forward
The announcement also precedes the Forbes Middle East Sustainability Leaders’ Summit 2026, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on October 19-20. This event will gather industry leaders to discuss advancements and collaborative strategies for enhancing sustainability in the region. For more details regarding the summit and the full list of the Sustainability Leaders 2026, follow the links provided by Forbes Middle East.