Forbes Middle East has officially unveiled its “30 Under 30” list for 2025, spotlighting the most promising young talent reshaping the region’s business landscape. The eighth annual cohort features 113 individuals across 90 entries who are redefining success in sectors ranging from commerce and finance to science and technology. Among the standout honorees are the founders of Saudi Arabia’s Ejari, the UAE-based Youmi Beauty, and Egypt’s WeLend, representing a diverse generation of change-makers driving economic growth and digital transformation across the Middle East.
The Saudi Proptech Disruptors
Leading the charge from Saudi Arabia is the co-founding team of Ejari, a proptech startup revolutionizing the Kingdom’s rental market. Schoolmates Yazeed Al-Shamsi, Fahad Albedah, Khalid Almunif, and Mohammed Alkhelewy launched the platform in 2023 to offer a “Rent Now, Pay Later” (RNPL) solution. By October 2025, the platform had generated over $200 million in demand and maintained a $50 million pipeline of active, pre-approved customers. Currently serving more than 30,000 users across 20 cities, Ejari has become a key player in the Saudi ecosystem, earning recognition from industry peers including 500 MENA.
Redefining Beauty Commerce
In the commerce sector, Youmna Khoury is making waves with her brand, Youmi Beauty. Founded in 2017, the company initially focused on contact lenses and hair tools before expanding into a full-fledged beauty empire including skincare and fragrance. Operating from the UAE with manufacturing partnerships in Italy and South Korea, the brand has seen explosive growth, recording a 60% revenue increase in the first nine months of 2025. With a massive digital footprint—boasting over 8.3 million Instagram followers—Khoury exemplifies the power of direct-to-consumer models in the region.
Empowering Egyptian SMEs
Representing Egypt’s vibrant fintech scene is Youssef Sakr, co-founder of WeLend. Launched in 2024, WeLend addresses the critical financing gap for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through a digital lending platform. By partnering with major financial institutions like EFG Hermes and GlobalCorp, the startup has already processed $2.1 million in financing requests and signed contracts worth approximately $850,000. Backed by investors such as Orbit Sanabil and UI Investment, WeLend is rapidly scaling its impact on the local economy.
The Class of 2025 By The Numbers
The 2025 list highlights the rich diversity of the MENA entrepreneurship ecosystem, featuring 24 nationalities based across 18 countries.
- Top Nationalities: Egyptians lead the list with 19 individuals, followed closely by 18 Saudis and 15 Lebanese.
- Top Hubs: The UAE serves as the primary base for 34 of the listers, followed by Saudi Arabia with 25 and Egypt with 15.
- Dominant Sectors: The “Commerce & Finance” category proved most competitive, comprising 42 individuals, reflecting the region’s strong focus on fintech and e-commerce innovation.
About Forbes Middle East
Forbes Middle East is a licensed edition of Forbes for the Arab world, championing entrepreneurial success and economic growth. Through its online and print platforms, it provides independent, rigorous journalism that uncovers trends, highlights business leaders, and connects the region’s decision-makers. Its annual lists, such as the 30 Under 30, have become a benchmark for recognizing the next generation of leadership in the Middle East and North Africa.
Source: Forbes Middle East
