10:11 am - February 15, 2026
**Dubai**: The 2025 Dubai 100 list highlights shifting power dynamics in the UAE, showcasing emerging leaders in AI, climate innovation, and aerospace. The anticipated 2026 list points to a blend of traditional and modern sectors, reflecting generational changes and the growing influence of technology and sustainability.
The 2025 Dubai 100 list is emerging as a significant indicator of the changing landscape of influence within the United Arab Emirates, reflecting not only the current power dynamics but also the anticipated trajectory of these dynamics. As the city prepares for the next iteration of this influential list, key sectors are suggested to dominate discussions surrounding leadership roles and innovative ventures.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to become a cornerstone of economic infrastructure in Dubai, transitioning from mere discussions to robust implementation across both government and private sectors. In various domains such as mobility planning and healthcare delivery, the application of AI tools indicates a broader trend that may yield a roster of leaders in AI architecture, ethics, and the development of regional language models in the upcoming years. According to insights, what fintech represented in 2018 may very well be mirrored by AI’s prominence by 2026.
The emphasis on climate innovation has also intensified, particularly following COP28, where green technology has shifted from a peripheral concern to a central strategic focus. This evolution suggests that future figures of influence will increasingly stem from initiatives in low-carbon logistics, smart grid infrastructure, and regional clean energy storage. Investors are expected to become more prevalent, particularly those who are aligning investments with tangible environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes.
The UAE’s space efforts, epitomised by the Mars Mission and Astronaut Programme, have transitioned from symbolic gestures to integral components of national progress. The ramifications extend beyond scientific achievements to encompass significant industrial implications. An uptick in aerospace startups, data satellite enterprises, and advanced research laboratories reflects a burgeoning ecosystem from which emerging leaders may be identified for the 2026 Dubai 100 list.
Contrary to predictions of legacy sectors diminishing in significance, traditional industries like real estate and retail are expected to adapt and thrive in this new era. An emphasis on digitisation, embedded data solutions, and sustainability is anticipated to transform these sectors. For instance, real estate developers might leverage AI for energy modelling, while retail platforms could focus on logistics adhering to zero-emissions standards. The future landscape will likely favour those who deftly bridge traditional and modern methodologies.
Demographics play a crucial role in shaping the Dubai 100, with a clear generational shift noted in the 2025 list, where one in four individuals featured were under the age of 45. This trend signals a new normal, where rising leaders comprise more founders, analysts, and technologists adept in navigating both policy frameworks and technological platforms.
As the Dubai 100 progresses from a theme of convergence, intertwining various sectors, cultures, and identities in 2025, the expectation for 2026 is an expansion into frontier domains. AI, climate innovation, and space exploration are not merely burgeoning fields but are becoming integral to the narrative of Dubai’s leadership and its future landscape of influence.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.arabianbusiness.com/powerlists/dubai-100-2025 – This URL supports the claim about the Dubai 100 list and its significance in reflecting power dynamics and leadership roles within the emirate.
- https://blog.jobxdubai.com/2025/02/14/uae-top-100-best-workplaces-2025/ – This URL highlights workplace excellence in UAE companies, which could align with the narrative of emerging leaders in innovative sectors such as AI and sustainability.
- https://economymiddleeast.com/news/dubai-ranks-among-top-20-cities-for-millionaires-globally-in-2025-report/ – This URL corroborates Dubai’s prominence as a global financial center, which might influence the sectors and figures highlighted in future Dubai 100 lists.
- https://www.reuters.com/article/dubai-climate-summit-idUSL1N2ZV0PS – This URL would support the intensified focus on climate innovation, particularly following significant global climate summits like COP28.
- https://www.mbrsc.ae/en/initiatives/astronaut-program – This URL provides insight into the UAE’s space initiatives and could support the claim about space exploration becoming a significant area for future leaders.
- https://www.dubaitourism.gov.ae/en/strategic-partnerships-and-initiatives/centre-for-ai – This URL would support the growing prominence of AI in Dubai, showcasing how AI is transforming various sectors and becoming a key area for future innovation.
- https://www.arabianbusiness.com/gcc/uae/dubai-100-what-this-years-list-tells-us-about-2026 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative references the current year (2025) and upcoming events (COP28), indicating recent content. However, without specific dates or press releases to compare, it’s hard to confirm if some information is recycled.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
No direct quotes were found in the text, eliminating the risk of recycled or inaccurate quotations.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from Arabian Business, a reputable regional publication. However, the specific piece lacks direct citations or references to academic or government sources, which could enhance reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about AI, climate innovation, and space efforts align with current trends in Dubai and the UAE. While some specifics cannot be verified without additional data, the general themes appear plausible given recent developments.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative appears to be recent and plausible, addressing current trends in Dubai. The lack of direct quotes and reliable citations slightly lowers the confidence level. Overall, it provides a plausible overview of future influences in the UAE.
