Forbes Middle East has released its 2026 list of 145 sustainability leaders across 17 sectors, with UAE-based executives taking 75 spots, followed by Saudi Arabia at 29. The ranking relies on ESG reports, disclosures, and performance metrics, and it tracks regional net zero alignment. The headline numbers include Irena data showing Arab countries reached 53.1 GW of renewable capacity in 2025, up 28.9% year over year. The project figures matter more than the list itself. Masdar reached financial close on a $6.1B solar and storage project combining 5.2 GW of solar with 19 GWh of batteries. Saudi Energy connected roughly 17.8 GW of renewables and 18 GWh of storage to the grid. Emirates Global Aluminium opened the UAE's largest recycling plant, lifting capacity above 400,000 tonnes per year. These are the concrete markers of whether the region's sustainability agenda is translating into actual deployment.
