UAE CEOs are showing higher-than-average confidence in the global economic outlook, as they double down on transformation initiatives across areas like workforce development, sustainability, and operational transformation, Wam reports, citing consultancy firm Arthur D. Little’s 2025 CEO InsightsSurvey (pdf). The survey studies insights from 309 CEOs of companies generating over USD 1 bn in revenue across key global industries and markets.

Confidence levels are at a multi-year high: 85% of UAE CEOs expect the global economy to improve over the next three to five years — up from 61% in 2024 — making them among the most optimistic globally. Productivity targets also exceed global norms, with UAE firms forecasting annual productivity gains of 8.8% over the next three years.

Strategy agility is becoming the norm: “UAE CEOs have translated confidence into bold action,” said Thomas Kuruvilla, Managing Partner of Arthur D. Little Middle East & India. 83% have revised or are revisiting their corporate strategies in response to geopolitical uncertainty or evolving growth dynamics, compared to 59% globally. “This is not short-term positioning but rather a long-term strategy for regional and global competitiveness,” Kuruvilla said.

Reskilling is now a clear boardroom priority: 60% of UAE CEOs cited a strong need to reskill their workforce — outpacing the global average of 49% — with a particular emphasis on digital transformation and adapting to AI-driven business models. Meanwhile, 1.8% of annual revenue has been earmarked for performance initiatives and boosting efficiency.

UAE executives are also looking increasingly to ESG integration: 30% said environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives now take precedence over all other priorities — a sign that it’s no longer treated as a compliance exercise but rather embedded into core business and operational strategy as a driver of long-term value and competitiveness.

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