UAE-based artificial intelligence firm G42 and Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Company have been named among the world’s 100 most influential companies for 2025 by Time magazine. This marks the first time a UAE company has been included in this prestigious list.

The selection process involved Time magazine requesting suggestions and applications from various sectors, conducting surveys with contributors and correspondents globally, and consulting outside experts. The criteria for selection included the companies’ impact and metrics related to innovation and success.

G42, a privately owned company with backing from Mubadala Investment Company, Silverlake, Microsoft, and The Dalio Family Office, has seen rapid global expansion since its establishment in 2018. Last year, the company received a significant investment of $1.5 billion from Microsoft, aimed at enhancing its international expansion and solidifying the UAE’s status as a global technology hub.

The partnership with Microsoft also included the creation of a $1 billion fund to support developers and bolster technology talent in the Middle East. Recently, G42 announced collaborations with tech leaders OpenAI, Oracle, and Nvidia to establish a major AI hub in the UAE, dubbed Stargate UAE, which is expected to become the largest AI infrastructure outside the United States.

Additionally, G42 has set up a new unit named G42 Europe and UK to cater to those markets as part of its expansion strategy. The company has also formed partnerships with France’s Mistral AI for advanced AI platforms and Italy’s iGenius to develop a supercomputer.

Diriyah Company, part of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund portfolio, is the second Saudi firm to be recognized by Time, following Saudi Aramco in 2024. Diriyah is developing a $63.2 billion mixed-use project that spans 14 square kilometers near Riyadh. The development aims to accommodate over 100 000 residents and visitors, featuring diverse cultural, educational, and hospitality spaces.

Jerry Inzerillo, the Group Chief Executive of Diriyah Company, expressed that this recognition affirms their mission to honor heritage while promoting sustainability and community development. He highlighted their commitment to environmentally friendly construction practices and enhancing the quality of life for future residents.

Time magazine’s recognition of these companies underscores the growing influence of the UAE and Saudi Arabia in the global technology and development sectors.