Revealed: Gulf's most admired companies

Across the Gulf, the business community is in rude health. Billions of dollars are flowing through the region, as governments diversify their nations' interests by ploughing oil revenues into developing economies, and Arab companies ride the crest of a wave, recording record profits and expanding at an unprecedented rate. This week, Arabian Business takes a look at some of those companies driving the economic rise of the region. In compiling our list of the ‘50 Most Admired', we looked for those companies demonstrating a set of distinctive values: Dynamic innovation, effective leadership, strong growth - both financially and geographically - and a firm commitment to breaking new ground in the Middle East and beyond. We have examined in detail each sector, looking at both public and private companies. As you will see from the list, this has resulted in wide variety among our top 50. Some companies, such as second-placed Emirates Airline, make the list on the back of record growth and profits, year after year. Others, such as relatively small retailer The One, have impressed us with their forward-thinking management style and social responsibility.

We have had to restrict our choices exclusively to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Otherwise, our list would have run into the hundreds - another encouraging sign for the Middle East. Not everyone will agree with our choices, and not everyone will agree with our rankings. The companies listed are our choice - they are the companies that make us proud to bear witness to the astonishing growth of the modern Middle East. Let the debate begin. Source