Written by: Ahmed Abdel Salam
The UAE has achieved first place regionally in the Forbes Middle East list for 2026 for sustainability leaders, recording 75 entries from senior executives leading efforts toward a sustainable economy and reducing carbon emissions in the region.
Distribution of Leaders Across Regional Countries
The results of the list, which included 145 entries distributed across 17 different sectors, showed the UAE leading with 75 leaders, followed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with 29 entries, while Qatar and Egypt came next with 14 entries each.
Covered Sectors and Evaluation Criteria
The list covered vital sectors including oil and gas, renewable energy, energy and utilities, banking, technology, and industry, in addition to other sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and transport. The evaluation was based on sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reports and data, with a focus on measurable leadership commitments and the adoption of sustainable technologies to reduce net emissions.
Sustainability Trends and Technical Innovation
Companies in the Middle East are witnessing an increasing trend toward integrating sustainability into their operations, with growing reliance on artificial intelligence technologies to improve resource efficiency. There is also a prominent need for high-efficiency cooling solutions and water reuse to address challenges of high temperatures and water scarcity.
Growth of Renewable Energy Capacities
In a related context, data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) indicated significant growth in renewable energy capacities in Arab countries, which increased by 28.9% during 2025 to reach 53.1 GW.
