Business leaders in the United Arab Emirates are demonstrating exceptional confidence in the domestic economy, translating their optimism into aggressive strategies for investment, acquisitions, and technology adoption. According to the UAE findings from PwC‘s 29th Global CEO Survey, a staggering 91% of CEOs expect local economic growth to strengthen over the next 12 months, reflecting a business environment primed for expansion despite global uncertainties.
The report highlights how the UAE’s policy stability, strong capital inflows, and world-class infrastructure are empowering leaders to pursue long-term value creation. CEOs are not just optimistic; they are actively deploying capital, scaling AI, and pursuing strategic deals to enhance their capabilities and expand their regional and global footprint.
Economic Optimism Fuels Investment
The UAE’s position as a premier global investment hub is reinforced by its strong macroeconomic fundamentals. This stability is reflected in corporate performance, with UAE companies reporting an average revenue growth of 13% in the current fiscal year, significantly outpacing the 8% global average. Similarly, net profit margins stand at a healthy 14%, compared to 10% globally.
This robust financial health and sustained optimism are creating a fertile ground for investment, with leaders leveraging the country’s predictability and speed of decision-making to build resilient and adaptable organizations.
AI Adoption Accelerates Beyond Global Benchmarks
The UAE is rapidly distinguishing itself as a leader in artificial intelligence adoption. The survey reveals that 85% of CEOs believe their organizational culture supports AI integration, while 75% confirm they have a clearly defined AI roadmap. These figures significantly exceed global benchmarks.
AI is being deployed extensively across business functions, with nearly half of the surveyed leaders reporting its use in sales, marketing, and customer engagement. Many are also integrating AI directly into their products and services, signaling a fundamental shift towards a tech-first operational model.
Capability-Led Dealmaking Defines Growth Strategy
The appetite for mergers and acquisitions remains exceptionally strong, with 74% of UAE CEOs planning one or more significant acquisitions in the next three years. This dealmaking is increasingly strategic, focusing on building new capabilities rather than just market consolidation.
Leaders are targeting acquisitions that provide access to new technologies, specialized talent, valuable data, and entry into high-growth sectors. In fact, nearly 70% of CEOs report their organizations have already started competing in new industries, underscoring a deliberate strategy to diversify and support long-term national transformation goals.
Building Resilience Amid Global Headwinds
While cyber risk and geopolitical uncertainty remain top concerns, UAE CEOs are taking decisive action to mitigate them. 60% of leaders plan to strengthen enterprise-wide cybersecurity over the next three years.
Despite these risks, investment confidence remains remarkably firm. Two-thirds of CEOs state that geopolitical uncertainty has little to no impact on their appetite for major investments, and a similar number expect minimal effect from tariffs on their profit margins, showcasing a proactive and resilient approach to navigating a complex global landscape.
About PwC
PwC is a global network of firms in 136 countries with more than 364,000 people committed to delivering quality in assurance, advisory, and tax services. PwC Middle East has been established in the region for 40 years, has over 12,000 people across 12 countries, and combines deep regional insight with global expertise to help clients solve complex problems, drive transformation, and achieve sustained outcomes.
Source: Zawya
