UAE
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Emirati business leaders anticipate significant geopolitical realignment in 2025, with a striking 80% saying geopolitical tensions will meaningfully influence their operations and 77% expecting the eventual fragmentation of global financial systems into competing trade blocs. Moreover, these dynamics appear to already be bearing fruit, as leaders report increased difficulties in securing international government contracts (40%) and moving data across borders (37%)—both ranking among the highest globally for these challenges. This expected shift in the landscape is further reflected in their operational strategies, with 57% planning to increase regional focus and 43% restructuring international operations—highest and second highest respectively among all respondents.
In contrast to their aggressive shifts on the geopolitical front, Emirati leaders appear to be taking a more guarded approach in the business realm. While they lead globally in implementing AI pilot programs (51%), they score on the low end of respondents when it comes to the full-scale implementation of AI in workflows, particularly end-to-end automation of tasks or whole departments. Further, over two-thirds (69%) report concerns that AI will disrupt traditional workforce planning. This cautious approach occurs against a backdrop of changing talent dynamics—Emiratis report strong optimism about attracting and retaining skilled talent, with 74% expecting a slowdown in brain drain to developed markets.
These interconnected trends suggest Emirati business leaders are preparing for a more regionalized future while taking a measured, strategic approach to technological transformation – balancing innovation with stability in an increasingly uncertain global landscape.
57%
Which regions present the strongest new business opportunities for your organization in 2025?
40%
Thinking about the following potential shifts in the international business landscape, which five do you think will have the most significant impact on fostering innovation and growth?
49%
Thinking about the same list of potential shifts in the international business landscape, which five are you most concerned about?
GEOPOLITICAL LANDSCAPE
Governments are increasingly becoming more protectionist in their business policy (i.e. cross-border data sharing, onshoring of chip manufacturing). Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
49% of Emirati respondents cited immigration policies in the top 5 most shifts in the international business landscape that they are most concerned about - the highest rate across all countries surveyed.
BUSINESS LANDSCAPE
Which of the following actions is your organization planning to take or continue in 2025 - specifically with a focus on the transformation of the labor market stemming from AI?
AI will collapse traditional career paths and make long-term workforce planning impossible for business leaders. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Supply chain resilience will take priority over cost optimization. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Which of the following operational changes is your organization planning to make in 2025?
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