Youngest girl among 49 honorees recognized for people-centered creativity and positive social innovation
Dubai, United Aab Emirates – February 9, 2026: 14-year-old Saudi youth leader, podcaster, and social innovator Rateel Alshehri has been named a winner in Fast Company Middle East’s Most Creative People in Business 2026, under the category “Bringing Good Things to More People.” At just 14 years old, Rateel is the youngest girl among 49 awardees to receive this recognition.
The Most Creative People in Business 2026 honorees were celebrated on the 5th of February 2026 at Emirates Golf Club’s Pavilion in Dubai, where leaders from business, technology, media, culture, and the creative industries came together to mark the occasion. The gathering underscored the growing importance of creativity as a driver of progress, collaboration, and long-term value in the Middle East.
Rateel’s category honors leaders who place people at the center of their work, using creativity to drive meaningful social impact. The Saudi social media sensation was recognized for her people-centered approach to storytelling, youth dialogue, and community-focused initiatives that amplify young voices and encourage purpose-driven leadership.
“This recognition means so much to me because it’s about people,” said Rateel Alshehri. “I believe creativity goes beyond just ideas — it’s about how those ideas make others feel seen, heard, and supported.”
Through her podcast Rateel Alpha Talk, public speaking, and youth-led initiatives, Rateel has built platforms that encourage open conversation, curiosity, and empathy among young people across the region and beyond. Her work consistently focuses on empowering the next generation to see their voices as valuable tools for positive change.
“I’ve learned that even at a young age, you can create impact if you listen first and lead with purpose,” she added. “I hope this inspires other young people to believe that their ideas can bring good things to more people too.”
The Most Creative People in Business list celebrates individuals who are redefining what leadership looks like today. It spotlights those whose work goes beyond titles and scale, recognising tangible, human, and forward-looking impact. The 2026 honorees represent a broad spectrum of disciplines, united by their ability to turn ideas into action and creativity into outcomes that matter.
Most recently, Rateel has made history by becoming the youngest ever winner of the ‘Favorite Female Influencer’ award at the prestigious Joy Awards.
Her wins mark significant milestones not only for her personal journey, but also for young changemakers across Saudi Arabia and the Middle East — demonstrating that age is not a barrier to meaningful impact when creativity is guided by empathy and intention.