Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Company and the UAE’s G42 have earned spots on TIME Magazine’s prestigious 2025 list of the world’s 100 most influential companies. The recognition marks a major milestone for both Middle Eastern firms as they reshape their industries on a global scale.
The annual TIME100 Most Influential Companies list recognizes organizations making extraordinary impact across business, culture, innovation, and sustainability. TIME editors and experts evaluate companies based on their impact, innovation, ambition, leadership, and success.
Diriyah Company Joins Elite Global Circle
Diriyah Company becomes only the second Saudi firm to make the TIME100 list, following Saudi Aramco’s inclusion in 2024. The company earned recognition for its transformational $63.2 billion “City of Earth” development project on the outskirts of Riyadh.
The mega-development spans 14 square kilometers and aims to transform the historic Diriyah area into a world-class cultural and residential destination. The project includes plans for nearly 100,000 future residents and features ambitious sustainability goals.
“Being recognized as one of the TIME100 Most Influential Companies is a powerful affirmation of Diriyah’s mission to lead with purpose,” said Jerry Inzerillo, Diriyah Company Group CEO. “By honoring our heritage, uplifting our community, and embracing world-class sustainability and hospitality standards.”
The development includes major cultural landmarks such as the Royal Diriyah Opera House and conservation of the Wadi Hanifah area. The company emphasizes carbon-free construction, energy efficiency, and water conservation throughout the project.
Diriyah sits at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification plan. The project builds on the area’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to At-Turaif, the original seat of the Saudi royal family.
G42 Recognized as AI Innovation Leader
Abu Dhabi-based G42 earned its TIME100 spot in the “Innovators” category for its leadership in artificial intelligence and large-scale digital infrastructure development.
TIME specifically highlighted G42’s launch of the world’s largest AI infrastructure project outside the United States. The 10-square-mile AI campus in Abu Dhabi was unveiled in May 2025 in partnership with Microsoft and OpenAI.
The massive facility includes supercomputing centers, research facilities, and a dedicated science park. The project represents a key component of the UAE’s strategy to become a global AI superpower by 2031.
“G42’s selection reflects its growing global influence, with giga-scale projects underway in Europe, Kenya, and the US,” noted Faheem Ahamed, Group Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at G42. The National News
The company has secured major partnerships with global tech leaders. Microsoft invested $1.5 billion in G42, while the firm has also announced collaborations with Cisco, Liquid AI, and Oracle. G42 recently launched a $10 billion expansion fund focused on global technology growth.
Middle East Gains Global Recognition
The inclusion of both companies signals the growing influence of Gulf nations in driving global innovation and development. The recognition comes as both the UAE and Saudi Arabia pursue ambitious economic transformation programs.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to diversify the kingdom’s economy beyond oil, with major investments in tourism, culture, and technology. The UAE has positioned itself as a global hub for artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.
Other notable companies on the 2025 TIME100 list include tech giants like OpenAI, SpaceX, and Meta, alongside established firms such as Amazon, Netflix, and Berkshire Hathaway. The list also features companies from diverse sectors including Nintendo, UFC, Duolingo, and Prada.
The TIME100 Most Influential Companies list was launched in 2021 and has previously recognized global leaders such as Apple, Microsoft, LVMH, and JP Morgan. Companies receive nominations from TIME’s global network of contributors and external experts.
Both G42 and Diriyah Company join a select group of Middle Eastern firms that have gained international recognition for their innovation and impact. The selections underscore the region’s emergence as a significant player in global business and technology development.
