A new generation of Lebanese talent is quietly making its mark on the global stage. Fifteen Lebanese figures have been named in the eighth edition of Forbes Middle East’s “30 Under 30”, a ranking that spotlights the Arab world’s most promising young leaders reshaping industries before the age of 30.

Forbes Middle East divided candidates into four main categories, science and technology, business and finance, social impact, and sports and lifestyle. The selection process combined multiple evaluation rounds led by the magazine’s research team and reviewed by an external panel of industry experts.

Honorees were assessed using qualitative criteria such as innovation, influence, and future potential, alongside quantitative benchmarks including revenue, funds raised, scale of impact, community reach, and digital presence.

Science-driven solutions with global impact

Lebanese innovation featured prominently in science and technology. Maya Nasr, a scientific engineer based in the United States, is currently working at Harvard University and the Environmental Defense Fund. Since 2023, she has contributed to the MethaneSAT mission, which uses satellite technology to detect methane emissions, one of the most potent drivers of climate change.

Environmental engineer Sara Sleem co-founded ASK Group in 2023, developing solutions that tackle food waste and sustainability. Through Agriworm Solutions, unsold agricultural produce is converted into protein flour and organic fertilizer using mealworm larvae, while BioSalleh is undergoing testing as a waste management unit ahead of its market launch.

In business and finance, Lebanese entrepreneurs are scaling operations far beyond local markets. Christina Khalife, based in Saudi Arabia, co-founded Arable, an agritech company designing hydroponic systems adapted to desert environments. Founded in 2024, the startup has raised $3.7 million and already operates two production sites.

In the hospitality sector, Karim Hamdoun joined UAE-based 7 Management as managing partner in 2023, overseeing financial strategy and international expansion. Under his leadership, the group’s portfolio grew to 21 outlets across five countries.

Back in Lebanon, Omar Bsaibes and Wafic Medawar co-founded ECLA Smile, a dental whitening brand now partnered with more than 150 clinics, with projected revenues approaching $700,000 in 2025.

Agriculture remains a key pillar through Liban Fresh, founded by Omar al-Maadarani and Amer Nahouli, which exports Lebanese produce to regional and European markets while supporting over 1,000 small-scale farmers. Since early 2025, the company has reported $1.5 million in revenue, with its raw agricultural commodities arm generating $3 million.

Other honorees include Michael Ejbeh, co-founder of Visionics, which works with over 40 factories across ten countries on FMCG packaging and logistics; Toufic Braidi, founder of skincare brand Antati, which has sold more than 21,000 units worldwide since launching in 2025; and Youmna Khoury, whose UAE-based cosmetics brand Youmi Beauty reached $2.7 million in revenue in 2024, driven largely by social media engagement.

Purpose beyond profit

Social impact and public reform also feature strongly. Aya Mouallem and Maya Moussa founded All Girls Code, offering free coding and leadership training to girls across Lebanon and the wider MENA region. Their work earned UNESCO’s 2025 Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education.

Meanwhile, Ihab Hallab established SmartGov, a think-and-do tank focused on modernizing public services. The organization has led several municipal digital transformation projects and raised over $2.2 million in funding.

In fashion and lifestyle, designer Jean-Pierre Khoury has seen his creations worn by international celebrities and showcased at major events, including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The list also includes Lebanese-American Nour Antabli, founder of supplements brand Nutrili, now distributed in 15 countries. In 2025, she expanded her portfolio with JUST Snacks, a new line of healthy food products.

A generation redefining success

The strong Lebanese presence on Forbes Middle East’s “30 Under 30” comes at a time when opportunity at home remains limited. Yet these young figures demonstrate how Lebanese talent continues to travel, adapt, and scale, turning innovation, resilience, and global networks into tangible impact.

From climate technology and sustainable agriculture to beauty, food, and public reform, this year’s honorees reflect a generation redefining success on its own terms and reminding the region that Lebanon’s creative and entrepreneurial capital remains very much alive.