Middle Eastern CEOs remain the most confident in the world despite global uncertainty
CEOs in the Middle East remain among the most confident in the world, with 88 percent expecting economic growth to strengthen in their region and 93 percent across the GCC, compared to 55 percent of CEOs globally, according to the latest results from the 29th Global CEO Survey conducted by PwC.
Based on information from more than 300 CEOs across the Middle East, the survey highlights stable confidence towards 2026, supported by continued investment, accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence and specialized expansion in new sectors, despite ongoing global uncertainty and trade disputes.
Hani Ashkar, Territory Senior Partner, PwC Middle East, said: “These results reflect the strong confidence we are seeing in the Middle East.
“It is very encouraging to see the region at the top of CEOs’ global investment agendas. Supported by a national transformation agenda and continued investment in artificial intelligence, the Middle East is well positioned to compete, adapt and grow.”
Average CEO Confidence
The survey shows that the GCC continues to consolidate its position as a global investment destination, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE ranked among the top ten global investment destinations, reinforcing their role as strong international and intra-regional capital markets.
Middle Eastern businesses are also very global when it comes to investing beyond their home markets.
About 88 percent of CEOs plan to invest outside their home regions, and nearly three-quarters of those investments are expected to remain in the Middle East, reflecting deeper regional integration and growing confidence in local value creation.
AI adoption across the Middle East and the GCC far exceeds global averages. More than one-third of regional leaders report integrating AI directly into their offerings, compared to less than one in five globally.
The adoption is strongest in demand generation functions such as sales, marketing and customer service, where 39 percent of CEOs in the Middle East and 43 percent of CEOs in the GCC report extensive use of AI. Uptake is strong across support services, with nearly 40 percent of CEOs in the Middle East deploying AI, well above global benchmarks.
Adoption of AI in business
The survey also found that 80 percent of the region’s business leaders believe their organizational culture supports the adoption of AI, and 70 percent report that they have a clearly defined AI roadmap. As AI deployment accelerates, CEOs are increasingly recognizing the need to strengthen data readiness and pre-measurement management across the value chain.
M&A appetite remains strong, with 72 percent of CEOs in the region planning a major acquisition in the next three years. The deal’s focus is on capacity building, as leaders look to strengthen capabilities, talent and data to support long-term growth.
The expansion of the sector is also accelerating. About 60 percent of regional CEOs are already competing in new sectors, about half plan to expand into technology-led industries, about 40 percent into consumer markets, and about a third into industries and services.
Near-term warning, long-term potential
Geopolitical conflicts remain the most important concern in the region and shape boardroom decision-making. Although close vigilance is evident, CEOs prefer to invest in uncertainty rather than wait for stability.
Nearly 60 percent of CEOs in the Middle East say they can lead effectively through disruption, while 42 percent believe they can create new business opportunities that arise from these challenges.
As a strategic response to the country’s risk, nearly 30 percent of CEOs in the region and 32 percent of CEOs in the GCC expect to restructure supply chains. Almost one in five indicated a plan to restructure tax obligations, while 17 percent are ready to exit markets considered too risky.
This intensity translates into performance. In the current fiscal year, companies in the region reported revenue growth of 12 percent, compared to 8 percent globally, and strong profits.
Risk v opportunity
Mona Abou Hana, Chief Corporate and Network Officer, PwC Middle East, said: “Middle East CEOs are not deterred by global risk, they are planning for it.
“Leaders across the region are purposefully investing in AI, cybersecurity and new capabilities because they understand that resilience today is built through action. In an uncertain global environment, the Middle East is emerging as a magnet for capital and long-term growth.”
The findings point to a more intentional growth agenda across the region, with CEOs balancing risk and opportunity, accelerating the integration of AI into core business models, and deploying strategic capital and M&A to build future-ready capabilities and long-term sustainable value.
