Top business leaders in the United Arab Emirates are showing strong optimism about the global economic outlook, according to the latest Arthur D. Little 2025 CEO Insights Survey.
The study finds that 85% of UAE CEOs expect the global economy to improve over the next three to five years—up sharply from 61% in the 2024 survey—making them among the most optimistic worldwide.
This growing confidence is closely tied to a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, the survey shows. Reflecting their positive economic outlook, UAE CEOs are placing greater importance on workforce reskilling, with 60% highlighting it as a key priority—well above the global average of 49%.
UAE companies are also setting bold targets for operational efficiency. The survey projects an average annual productivity gain of 8.8% over the next three years, outpacing the global benchmark. This commitment to performance is further underscored by the allocation of 1.8% of revenue to efficiency-driven initiatives.
“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,” said Thomas Kuruvilla, Managing Partner at Arthur D. Little Middle East & India.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are also gaining strong traction in UAE boardrooms. Notably, 30% of UAE CEOs now prioritize ESG over other strategic initiatives—more than double the global figure of 12%.
The survey indicates a shift in perspective, with ESG evolving from a compliance requirement to a competitive advantage and growth driver. Many UAE leaders are integrating ESG into their operational strategies, focusing on long-term impact and embedding it across departments to create business value.
The survey also underscores the strategic agility of UAE business leaders. A notable 83% have revised or plan to revise their strategies in response to geopolitical shifts or growth-related changes, compared to a global average of 59%.
“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.
