Methodology

To find the region’s most promising young talent, we scanned the Middle East markets for outstanding young achievers and collected online nominations, whereby applicants could put themselves or someone else forward for consideration.

From hundreds of applications, the Forbes Middle East research and editorial teams evaluated all candidates, conducting several rounds of assessments to shortlist around 200 candidates. We then turned to our external judges, all experts in their respective fields. They conducted their own research, deliberated the criteria, and shared their insights on who they thought should make the final cut.

In making our judgments, we took into account qualitative information, such as the impact that candidates have had on their industry, market, or society and their future potential. We also looked at quantifiable data such as funds raised, awards won, revenues achieved, the value of deals, the number of people impacted, the number of customers, and the number of followers on social media.

• Age eligibility: To be eligible for the 2024 list, the applicant had to have been under 30 years old on December 31, 2023. This means that anyone born in 1994 or later was eligible. All ages given in the list are as of December 31, 2023.
• 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.