78% of GCC CEOs expect the global economy to improve in the next 3–5 years
56% of GCC CEOs report a moderate or strong need to reskill their workforce
28% of GCC CEOs prioritize ESG above all other initiatives—more than double the global average
73% of GCC CEOs are revising strategies in response to geopolitical and global growth shifts
 

GCC, April 7 2025 - CEOs across the GCC are showing strong confidence and a focus on future growth, according to Arthur D. Little’s 2025 CEO Insights Survey. A total of 78% of business leaders in the region expect the global economy to improve over the next three to five years—up from 61% in 2024.

The survey also shows that 56% of GCC CEOs see a moderate or strong need to reskill their teams. This is above the global average of 49%, and reflects a growing focus on workforce development.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) topics are becoming more important across the region. The survey finds that 28% of GCC CEOs now rank ESG above all other business goals—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.”

The survey also shows that 72% of GCC CEOs have already updated, or plan to update, their strategies due to geopolitical changes and global market shifts. This is well above the global average of 59%.

Francesco Marsella, Managing Partner and Global Leader of the Growth and Transformation Practices at Arthur D. Little, comments: “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 includes the views of 309 global CEOs from companies with revenues exceeding $1 billion, across major industries and markets.

Download the full report HERE.

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