CEOs in the Middle East most forward-looking as they face a new age of long-term disruptions

CEOs in the Middle East most forward-looking as they face a new age of long-term disruptions

- Survey findings also reveal AI and automation are the largest disruptive forces impacting their company

Businesses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates remain optimistic about the prospects for their company (80%) and the overall economy (85%) as they continue to navigate the challenges ahead, working closely with their respective governments. This is according to findings from global consulting firm AlixPartners’ Disruption Index (ADI), an annual survey that canvasses more than 3,000 CEOs and executives from around the world to uncover the latest global business concerns.

Regional CEOs are confident in embracing and responding to disruption with nearly all (90%) believing that their natural leadership style thrives in a disrupted environment, far higher than 75% globally. Top defensive actions they have taken to navigate disruption include developing action plans and scenario planning/analyses (80%) with 7 in 10 currently prioritizing revenue growth over profitability and building core business over valuable new businesses.

Executives in the region were second-highest disrupted, after China, with 68% saying they were highly disrupted in the past year. Regional CEOs, like many of their peers in other regions,

worry that their company is not adapting fast enough to the pace of change (67%), with over 60% actively