Despite a global decline in CEO confidence, leaders in Saudi Arabia remain optimistic about their country’s prospects and their companies’ revenue growth, as revealed by PwC’s annual CEO Survey.
Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification strategy is proving effective, boosting business leaders’ confidence in the Kingdom’s future. The survey compared the perspectives of Saudi CEOs with those from the Middle East and globally, highlighting that 77% of Saudi business leaders are optimistic about domestic economic growth, surpassing their peers in the GCC, the broader Middle East, and globally.
Confidence among Saudi CEOs extends to their organizations, with nearly all expecting revenue growth in the coming years.
CEOs in Saudi Arabia are also planning workforce expansion, with 70% intending to increase headcount, a figure much higher than the global average. This growth is supported by a thriving private sector, international firms entering the market, increased female workforce participation, Saudisation goals, and evolving skill economies. However, skill shortages remain a concern for 2025.
Cybersecurity is a top concern, with 49% of CEOs feeling highly exposed, prompting investments in digital resilience and AI-driven security solutions. Geopolitical tensions also weigh on their minds.
Saudi CEOs are embracing disruptive technologies like AI, with 81% adopting GenAI recently. This has led to improved profitability and revenue, exceeding regional and global peers. Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global leader in digital transformation, leveraging AI for efficiency and profitability gains.
Faisal Alsarraj from PwC highlights Saudi Arabia’s leadership in AI adoption, while Riyadh AlNajjar notes the Kingdom’s commitment to digital innovation and sustainability as part of its Vision 2030 agenda.