CEOs in the UAE are demonstrating exceptional confidence in the global outlook, with 85 percent of them expecting the global economy to improve over the next three to five years. According to Arthur D. Little’s 2025 CEO Insights Survey, this places CEO’s in the UAE among the most optimistic in the world and marks a significant increase from 61 percent in 2024.
The survey attributed this high level of confidence to the UAE’s strong focus on sustainability and innovation. In parallel with their economic outlook, UAE CEOs are placing growing importance on reskilling as a strategic priority. The survey shows that 60 percent report a strong need to reskill their workforce, significantly higher than the global average of 49 percent.
“UAE CEOs have translated confidence into bold action. Their sharp focus on workforce development, ESG leadership, and operational excellence is not just about keeping pace – it is about setting the pace,” said Thomas Kuruvilla, managing partner at Arthur D. Little Middle East & India.
ESG priorities gain momentum
UAE companies are also setting bold targets for operational performance. UAE companies anticipate an 8.8 percent annual productivity improvement over the next three years—outpacing the global average. They are also allocating 1.8 percent of revenue toward initiatives that enhance efficiency and performance.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) priorities are also gaining momentum. Thirty percent of UAE CEOs now give ESG higher priority than other strategic initiatives, more than doubling the global figure of 12 percent. Unlike in previous years, ESG is no longer viewed solely as a compliance requirement but as a competitive differentiator and growth driver.
Many UAE leaders are aligning ESG with operational strategy, prioritizing long-term impact and integrating it across departments to create business value.
“In an environment marked by constant transformation, UAE companies are taking decisive steps to redefine what sustainable, tech-enabled leadership looks like. This is not short-term positioning but rather a long-term strategy for regional and global competitiveness,” added Kuruvilla.
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Strategic agility emerges amid geopolitical changes
Alongside these initiatives, UAE CEOs are demonstrating a high level of strategic agility. Eighty-three percent have already revised or plan to revise their strategies in response to geopolitical changes or growth-related shifts, compared to just 59 percent globally.
“CEOs are ready for the unexpected, with mindsets that see change as an opportunity rather than a threat. CEOs feel well-positioned to not just cope with geopolitical and technology uncertainty but to thrive and grow,” stated Francesco Marsella, managing partner and global leader of the growth and transformation practices at Arthur D. Little.
The Arthur D. Little’s survey includes the views of 309 global CEOs from companies with revenues exceeding $1 billion across major industries and markets.
