CEOs across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are expressing renewed confidence and a strong focus on long-term growth, according to the latest Arthur D. Little 2025 CEO Insights Survey. The report reveals a sharp rise in optimism, with 78% of GCC business leaders expecting the global economy to improve over the next three to five years—up from 61% in 2024.
Workforce development is high on the agenda, as 56% of CEOs in the region recognize a moderate or strong need to reskill their teams. This figure outpaces the global average of 49%, underscoring a regional commitment to preparing talent for the future.
Sustainability is also climbing the corporate agenda. The survey found that 28% of GCC CEOs now prioritize Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals above all other business objectives—more than double the global figure of 12%.
“GCC CEOs are investing in people, focusing on sustainability, and making changes that support long-term business growth,” said Thomas Kuruvilla, Managing Partner at Arthur D. Little GCC & India. “These results show a clear commitment to transformation across the region.”
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Geopolitical shifts and changing market dynamics are also driving strategic change. A striking 72% of GCC CEOs have either updated or plan to update their business strategies in response—well above the global average of 59%.
Francesco Marsella, Managing Partner and Global Leader of the Growth and Transformation Practices at Arthur D. Little, added: “The third edition of our global study shows that 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.”
The Arthur D. Little 2025 CEO Insights Survey gathers perspectives from 309 global CEOs leading companies with revenues exceeding $1 billion, representing a diverse range of industries and markets.
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