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Twenty Lebanese have been named to Forbes Middle East’s list of influential people under 30 for the year 2024, among 153 laureates from 24 different countries who are notable for their inventiveness and impact in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) on the list.

The 153 outstanding talents under 30 from 24 different countries were revealed in the 2024 Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30 list. The 2024 list included 48 Egyptian champions, followed by 20 Lebanese, 12 Tunisians, 10 Saudis, 9 Jordanians, and 7 Syrians.

These young innovators are divided into four main categories: business and finance, social impact, sports and entertainment, and science and technology. The average age of the winners is 26, with the youngest being 17. Entrepreneurs largely dominate, with 68% of prizewinners having founded or co-founded businesses.

Notable personalities include Maya Ghazal, Syria’s first female pilot, and Bisan Owda, a journalist and activist. This edition also focuses on sustainable initiatives and significant social contributions.

Standout figures include innovators such as Cedric Zovighian; Marc and Ralph Gharios, who co-founded Tick'it in 2021, a platform for discovering music and entertainment events, buying tickets, and booking tables; Mohammad BinGhatti, Chairman of BinGhatti; and sporting talents such as Lebanese basketball player Wael Arakji and Algerian gymnast Kaylia Nemour.

These young leaders were chosen after a rigorous process based on their economic impact, achievements, and future potential.

Normally, each category includes 30 nominees. However, Trade and Finance is the most crowded, with 45 nominees, followed by Social Impact (42), Sports and Entertainment (34), and Science and Technology (32).

“The 120 personalities selected from among 600, highlight people who are leading the way in social impact and green energy, shaking up the financial market, breaking barriers in the arts and sports, and harnessing cutting-edge technologies to create breakthrough inventions or medicines,” reads the Forbes release.

The 2024 “Forbes Middle East Under 30” summit will be held in Abu Dhabi on December 10 and 11, bringing together the region’s under-30 community, investors, and business leaders.

The 2023 edition was made up of 145 personalities representing 22 nationalities. Egyptians were also the most represented, with 44 candidates, followed by 15 Saudis, 14 Lebanese, 13 Emiratis, 10 Jordanians, and 7 Moroccans.

The average age of all those on the list was around 26.6, with the youngest aging not more than 15.