Arab Entrepreneur of the Year Award
- At least one founder must be an Arab national.
- The business must be legally registered and operating in an Arab country for a minimum of 2 years and less than 10 years.

Eligible candidates:
Disclaimer: Failure to meet the eligibility criteria or provide complete supporting documentation will result in automatic disqualification.
The criteria above apply to every award category except the two below, which have their own requirements.
Strong products and solutions combine meaningful innovation with a clear fit to market needs. The jury will consider the originality and relevance of the solution compared with existing alternatives, its responsiveness to customer needs and evidence of demand, adoption and market presence.
Resilient, agile business models are vital in Egypt’s dynamic economy. The jury will assess revenue models, scalability, unit economics and the ability to sustain operations amid inflation, currency shifts, shifting consumer behavior and broader global economic challenges.
Strong financial fundamentals signal long-term viability. The jury will consider revenue and profitability trends, cash flow management, prospects for revenue diversification and the company’s ability to sustain its financial performance and withstand market pressures.
Each industry presents unique challenges, benchmarks and success drivers. Jury will assess how well the startup navigates sector-specific dynamics, regulatory landscapes and competitive pressures, while demonstrating innovation and leadership within its field.
Leadership and team strength remain key predictors of a business’s longevity. The jury will evaluate team composition, leadership capabilities, diversity, along with how well the team is positioned to execute the vision.
A clear and credible vision signals the company’s potential for continued development and growth. The jury will consider the company’s future direction, the clarity and feasibility of its growth plans and its ability to translate its vision into sustainable growth.
All submitted material will remain confidential and will only be seen by the EEA team and our jury. All deliberation discussions and outcomes will not be disclosed to anyone outside of the jury panel and the relevant EEA team members. Applicants profiles may be used in pre- and post- event promotional material to showcase their stories, successes, and best practices. Permission will be sought from the relevant applicants before publishing any of theirr application material.