Methodology

To identify the region’s most promising young talent, we scanned Middle East markets for standout achievers and opened online nominations, allowing applicants to nominate themselves or others.
From hundreds of submissions, the Forbes Middle East research team conducted multiple rounds of evaluation to shortlist roughly 200 candidates. We then handed the process to our external judges –experts in their respective fields – who carried out their own reviews, assessed the criteria, and provided informed recommendations on who should make the final list.
Our evaluation combined both qualitative and quantitative measures. We looked at the influence candidates have had on their industries, markets, or communities, as well as their future potential. We also assessed measurable indicators including funds raised, awards received, revenues generated, deal values, the scale of impact, customer reach, and social media followings.

• Age eligibility: To be eligible for the 2025 list, the applicant had to have been under 30 years old on December 31, 2024. This means that anyone born in 1995 or later was eligible. All ages given in the list are as of December 31, 2024.
• Geographic focus: Candidates could be from anywhere but had to have their business or initiatives based and dedicated to MENA residents.
• Entries: If one business had two cofounders or more under 30, they were counted as one entry.

*The 30 Under 30 listees are presented in alphabetical order.