CEOs in the United Arab Emirates are showing unmatched optimism about the future of the global economy, according to Arthur D. Little 2025 CEO Insights Survey. A remarkable 85% of UAE CEOs expect global economic conditions to improve over the next three to five years—up sharply from 61% in 2024—placing them among the most confident business leaders worldwide.
This surge in confidence is closely tied to a growing emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and strategic workforce development. The survey highlights that 60% of UAE CEOs identify reskilling as a top priority—well above the global average of 49%—reflecting a proactive approach to preparing talent for the evolving business landscape.
UAE firms are also setting ambitious goals for performance. Companies in the region forecast an average annual productivity gain of 8.8% over the next three years, outpacing their global peers. To support this, they are investing an average of 1.8% of revenue in efficiency and performance-enhancing initiatives.
Read More: GCC CEOs Show Optimism and Embrace Growth, ADL Survey Finds
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues have also taken center stage. Thirty percent of UAE CEOs now give ESG higher priority than any other strategic objective—more than double the global figure of 12%. This marks a significant shift from compliance-driven approaches to a vision of ESG as a source of competitive advantage and sustainable growth.
“UAE CEOs have translated confidence into bold action,” said Thomas Kuruvilla, Managing Partner at Arthur D. Little Middle East & India. “Their sharp focus on workforce development, ESG leadership, and operational excellence is not just about keeping pace—it is about setting the pace. In an environment marked by constant transformation, UAE companies are taking decisive steps to redefine what sustainable, tech-enabled leadership looks like.”
The survey also reveals a high degree of strategic agility among UAE executives. Eighty-three percent have revised or plan to revise their business strategies in light of geopolitical developments and evolving growth dynamics, significantly ahead of the global average of 59%.
Commenting on the global findings, Francesco Marsella, Managing Partner and Global Leader of the Growth and Transformation Practices at Arthur D. Little, said: “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 technological uncertainty, but to thrive and grow.”
The Arthur D. Little 2025 CEO Insights Survey captures the perspectives of 309 global CEOs from companies with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion, spanning a broad range of industries and geographic markets.
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