Confidence - 90% of GCC CEOs are confident about growth in company revenue in 2025
Increasing headcount, concerns over skills shortages - 61% of regional CEOs expect to increase headcount within 12 months, although 34% of GCC CEOs cited skills shortages as a major concern
Reinvention - 60% of regional CEOs say their businesses will not be viable in 10 years or less without adapting
Embracing AI - 70% of GCC CEOs believe GenAI will increase profitability within 12 months
On climate - 79% of regional CEOs have initiated climate friendly investments in the last five years
Fierce competition as industries converge - 72% of regional CEOs expect to do a deal outside of their industry or sector in the next three years
- Complex risk environment - GCC CEOs cited cyber security as their main concern, closely followed by geopolitical risk, macroeconomic volatility, lower availability of workers with key skills and technological disruption
22 January 2025; Doha, Qatar - CEOs in the Middle East and Qatar are among the most confident globally about revenue growth in 2025, as revealed in PwC’s 28th Annual CEO Survey. Yet the survey also finds that regional chief executives are aware of the huge wave of disruptive change, primarily driven by AI, climate challenges and an intensifying competition over new domains of growth as industry lines blur. In summary, the survey reveals that our region’s CEOs are striking a difficult balance - capturing the significant market opportunities today while also reinventing their businesses for tomorrow.
PwC’s annual survey of CEOs globally and across the Middle East and Qatar reflects the collective voice of business leaders - offering valuable insights into the opportunities they see, the challenges they face and the path forward. This year the survey captured more Middle East and Qatar responses than ever before, with almost 300 chief executives sharing their views.
The regional and local findings reveal strong confidence amongst CEOs in their companies' revenue growth, with those in the GCC particularly optimistic about revenue growth in 2025 (at 90%). 61% of GCC CEOs also expect to increase headcount this year, compared to just 42% of their global peers, and up from 55% in 2024. However, one third (34%) cited skills shortages as a major concern.
Commenting on the findings, Hani Ashkar, PwC Middle East Senior Partner, said: "The Middle East’s optimism reflects a remarkable ability to adapt and innovate in the face of global challenges. CEOs in the region are adopting bold strategies to drive growth and competitiveness, advance sustainability and integrate AI into their businesses. These efforts are reinforcing the region’s role as a dynamic hub for business and investment, ensuring long-term value creation for stakeholders and communities alike."
For our CEOs the urgency to reinvent is clear. A striking 60% of regional CEOs now believe their businesses will not survive ‘within the next 10 years or less’ without significant adaptation - a notable increase from last year, when less than half expressed similar concerns.
CEOs in the Middle East and Qatar recognise that traditional models of business are increasingly unsustainable in the face of transformative catalytic shifts, primarily driven by AI, the climate crisis and industry convergence. A notable 88% of GCC CEOs have adopted GenAI in the last 12 months, exceeding global averages and reflecting greater confidence in the technology’s potential. 70% of GCC CEOs also believe that GenAI will increase profitability in 2025. On climate, 79% of regional CEOs have initiated climate-friendly investments in the last five years. Also CEOs recognise that there is fierce competition over new domains of growth as industry lines blur. This is highlighted by 43% of regional CEOs indicating that they are already competing in new sectors or industries, 53% have targeted a new customer base within the last five years and 72% expect to do a deal outside of their industry or sector in the next three years.
Bassam Hajhamad, Qatar Country Senior Partner and Consulting Lead, PwC Middle East commented: “Qatar is transitioning to a knowledge-based economy, where businesses are embracing AI, innovation, and sustainability to drive long-term growth. NDS-3 has been pivotal in guiding the way forward for CEOs and enabling businesses to align with national priorities and make a larger impact on the economy.”
Qatar: A focus on emerging opportunities
87% of CEOs are confident of revenue growth in 2025.
53% of CEOs expect to increase headcount within 12 months.
90% of CEOs have adopted AI in the last 12 months.
UAE: Confident and increasingly active on the global stage
90% of CEOs are confident of revenue growth in 2025.
60% of CEOs expect to increase headcount within 12 months
Global CEOs rank the UAE as the seventh most attractive destination for investment, further solidifying its position as a key player in the global economy.
93% of CEOs have adopted AI in the last 12 months.
KSA: A vision for sustained growth
98% of CEOs are confident of revenue growth in 2025.
70% of CEOs expect to increase headcount within 12 months
81% of CEOs have adopted AI in the last 12 months.
Oman: Positive economic growth and climate action
87% of CEOs are confident of revenue growth in 2025.
69% of CEOs expect to increase headcount within 12 months.
87% of CEOs have adopted AI in the last 12 months.
Egypt: A strong recovery and an optimistic outlook
88% of CEOs are confident of revenue growth in 2025.
69% of CEOs expect to increase headcount within 12 months.
78% of CEOs have adopted AI in the last 12 months.
Jordan: Economic resilience amid regional challenges
75% of CEOs are confident of revenue growth in 2025.
50% of CEOs expect to increase headcount within 12 months.
54% of CEOs have begun competing in new industries or sectors in the last five years
CEOs in the Middle East cite cyber risks, geopolitical conflict, tech disruption and a shortage of skilled workers among their main concerns for 2025.
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