According to Arthur D. Little’s 2025 CEO Insights Survey, UAE CEOs are expressing strong confidence in the global economy, with 85% expecting conditions to improve within the next three to five years. This marks a notable rise from 61% the previous year and positions UAE CEOs as some of the most optimistic worldwide.
This renewed optimism is closely linked to an increased emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and workforce development. The survey reveals that 60% of UAE CEOs see reskilling as a critical strategic need, well above the global average of 49%.
UAE businesses are also aiming high when it comes to operational improvements. They project an 8.8% annual boost in productivity over the coming three years and are dedicating 1.8% of their revenues to efforts focused on boosting efficiency.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues are becoming central to corporate strategy. Thirty percent of UAE CEOs are prioritizing ESG above other strategic goals, more than double the global average of 12%. ESG is increasingly viewed not just as a compliance necessity but as a core element of long-term competitiveness and value creation. Many firms are integrating ESG into their overall operations to drive sustainable growth.
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“UAE CEOs are not just adapting, they are leading,” said Thomas Kuruvilla, Managing Partner at Arthur D. Little Middle East & India. “With a clear focus on talent, sustainability, and performance, these companies are shaping the future of leadership in an era defined by constant change.”
The survey also highlights the strategic adaptability of UAE leaders. A significant 83% have updated or plan to update their business strategies in response to evolving geopolitical and growth-related developments, far exceeding the global average of 59%.
Francesco Marsella, another senior executive at Arthur D. Little, added that this global study shows CEOs are embracing uncertainty as a growth opportunity, equipping their businesses to not just endure change but leverage it for transformation.
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