{"id":110899,"date":"2026-01-28T15:04:10","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T15:04:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ainalalam.com\/?p=110899"},"modified":"2026-01-28T15:04:10","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T15:04:10","slug":"ceos-in-saudi-arabia-remain-confident-on-growth-and-ai-adoption-pwcs-29th-global-ceo-survey-saudi-arabia-findings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ainalalam.com\/?p=110899","title":{"rendered":"CEOs in Saudi Arabia remain confident on growth and AI adoption &#8211; PwC\u2019s 29th Global CEO Survey: Saudi Arabia findings"},"content":{"rendered":"[mhc_section admin_label=&#8221;\u0642\u0633\u0645&#8221; fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; specialty=&#8221;off&#8221;][mhc_fullwidth_menu admin_label=&#8221;\u0642\u0627\u0626\u0645\u0629 \u0628\u0639\u0631\u0636 \u0643\u0627\u0645\u0644&#8221; menu_id=&#8221;56&#8243; background_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; submenu_direction=&#8221;downwards&#8221; fullwidth_menu=&#8221;off&#8221;] [\/mhc_fullwidth_menu][\/mhc_section][mhc_section admin_label=&#8221;section&#8221; 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background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; animation=&#8221;off&#8221;]\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">94% of CEOs in Saudi Arabia are confident in domestic economic growth, supported by strong non-oil momentum and sustained investment under Vision 2030.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">The Kingdom is one of the world\u2019s top 10 destinations for foreign investment.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Long-term growth remains high, with 71% expecting revenue growth over the next three years.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">80% of CEOs say their organisation\u2019s culture supports AI adoption, while 65% view innovation as critical to their growth strategies.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">73% of CEOs in the Kingdom plan a major acquisition worth more than 10% of their company assets in the next three years, with growing interest in new sectors.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Nearly 70% of CEOs in Saudi Arabia report no difficulty in attracting and retaining talent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Ain Alalam &#8211; Rashad Iskandrni<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>28 January 2026: <\/strong>Business leaders in Saudi Arabia are entering 2026 with strong confidence in domestic growth, supported by sustained non-oil momentum, record investment inflows and continued progress under Vision 2030.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Findings from PwC\u2019s 29th Global CEO Survey show that, while global uncertainty persists, CEOs in the Kingdom are balancing near-term discipline with long-term ambition, doubling down on innovation, artificial intelligence (AI) and strategic acquisitions to build resilient, future-ready organisations.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">The survey reveals that 94% of CEOs in Saudi Arabia are confident in domestic economic growth, a marked improvement from last year. It reflects strengthening business sentiment and growing confidence of business leaders in the Kingdom\u2019s long-term economic trajectory. Despite ongoing geopolitical and macroeconomic headwinds, Saudi Arabia continues to benefit from sustained public investment, structural reforms and accelerating diversification across priority sectors.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Riyadh Al Najjar, Chairman of the Board &amp; Saudi Country Senior Partner, PwC Middle East<\/strong>, said: \u201cCEOs in Saudi Arabia are entering the next phase of growth with confidence and clarity of purpose. By leveraging the Kingdom\u2019s leading investment capabilities and Vision 2030 growth agenda, business leaders are investing in AI, innovation, and new sectors to build resilient, future-ready organisations. This ambition is rooted in a shared responsibility and immense pride in our nation, and a collective drive to compete and lead globally.\u201d<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>From near-term discipline to long-term growth<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">While short-term revenue expectations remain measured, reflecting a cautious operating environment, confidence strengthens markedly over the medium term. 71% of CEOs in Saudi Arabia expect revenue growth over the next three years, well above the global average. This outlook underscores a deliberate shift toward long-term value creation as diversification efforts mature, and non-oil demand continues to scale.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Saudi Arabia\u2019s position as a major global investment destination further reinforces this confidence. Strong foreign direct investment inflows, expanding private-sector activity and a pipeline of large-scale projects across manufacturing, tourism, infrastructure and technology are translating into improved business performance and sustained competitiveness.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>AI and innovation embedded at scale<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Innovation is increasingly embedded at the core of corporate strategy in the Kingdom. Nearly 65% of CEOs view innovation as critical to their business strategy, with AI playing a central role in reshaping operating models, decision-making, and customer engagement. Eight in ten CEOs believe their organisational culture supports AI adoption, positioning Saudi organisations ahead of many global peers in terms of readiness to scale AI responsibly and effectively.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>M&amp;A and cross-sector expansion drive competitive advantage<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Confidence in the growth outlook is also reflected in deal activity. 73% of CEOs in Saudi Arabia plan to pursue a major acquisition in 2026, well above global levels. M&amp;A is increasingly being used as a tool to access new capabilities, technologies and markets, as well as to support cross-sector expansion aligned with the Kingdom\u2019s diversification agenda.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">In the next three years, 84% of CEOs in the Kingdom anticipate deal value to come from sectors outside their core industry compared to only 63% of their global peers, demonstrating a willingness to rethink traditional business models and capture emerging opportunities across technology, consumer markets, industrials and services.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Technology, media and telecommunications have emerged as leading areas for diversification for CEOs over the next three years.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Strengthening resilience in an uncertain world<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">For business leaders in Saudi Arabia, geopolitical risk, cyber threats and climate-related challenges remain prominent concerns, driving a stronger focus on cybersecurity, supply-chain resilience, and operational agility.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Looking ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">As Saudi Arabia transitions into its next phase of economic development, the survey highlights a clear leadership agenda: deepening productivity, embedding AI at scale, strengthening talent ecosystems and using M&amp;A as a capability accelerator. CEOs who invest now in innovation, data foundations and resilient operating models will be best positioned to shape the Kingdom\u2019s next decade of growth and reinforce its role as a leading global economic hub.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">For the full report and additional insights, visit <em>this <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/pwc.to\/49Udgiz\"><em>link<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>About PwC<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">At PwC, we help clients build trust and reinvent so they can turn complexity into competitive advantage. We\u2019re a tech-forward, people-empowered network with more than 364,000 people in 136 countries and 137 territories. Across audit and assurance, tax and legal, deals and consulting, we help clients build, accelerate, and sustain momentum. Find out more at\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.pwc.com\/\">www.pwc.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">With over 12,000 people across 12 countries in 30 offices, PwC Middle East combines deep regional insight with global expertise to help clients solve complex problems, drive transformation, and achieve sustained outcomes. Learn more at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pwc.com\/me\">www.pwc.com\/me<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\nPwC refers to the PwC network and\/or one or more of its member firms, each of which is a separate legal entity. Please see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pwc.com\/structure\">www.pwc.com\/structure<\/a> for further details.<\/p>\n[\/mhc_text][\/mhc_column][\/mhc_row][\/mhc_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[mhc_section admin_label=&#8221;\u0642\u0633\u0645&#8221; fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; specialty=&#8221;off&#8221;][mhc_fullwidth_menu admin_label=&#8221;\u0642\u0627\u0626\u0645\u0629 \u0628\u0639\u0631\u0636 \u0643\u0627\u0645\u0644&#8221; menu_id=&#8221;56&#8243; background_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; submenu_direction=&#8221;downwards&#8221; fullwidth_menu=&#8221;off&#8221;] [\/mhc_fullwidth_menu][\/mhc_section][mhc_section admin_label=&#8221;section&#8221; transparent_background=&#8221;off&#8221; gradient_background=&#8221;off&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; gradient_style=&#8221;horizontal&#8221; inner_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;off&#8221; video_hide=&#8221;off&#8221; video_pause=&#8221;off&#8221; allow_advanced_padding=&#8221;on&#8221; remove_padding=&#8221;on&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221; column_paddings=&#8221;padding-0pct&#8221; column_match_heights=&#8221;off&#8221; background_leak=&#8221;off&#8221; background_leak_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_leak_size=&#8221;25&#8243; separator_top=&#8221;off&#8221; separator_bottom=&#8221;off&#8221; background_image_size=&#8221;cover&#8221; background_image_repeat=&#8221;no-repeat&#8221; background_image_position_x=&#8221;center&#8221; background_image_position_y=&#8221;center&#8221; animation=&#8221;off&#8221; animation_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; mobile_2_pr_row=&#8221;off&#8221; mobile_reverse=&#8221;off&#8221;][mhc_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221;][mhc_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243;][mhc_image admin_label=&#8221;\u0635\u0648\u0631\u0629&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/ainalalam.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/ainlogo.png&#8221; show_in_lightbox=&#8221;off&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;off&#8221; animation=&#8221;off&#8221; hoverfx=&#8221;scaleup&#8221; sticky=&#8221;off&#8221; image_mask=&#8221;off&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;0&#8243; align=&#8221;center&#8221; force_center_on_mobile=&#8221;on&#8221; [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":110897,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-110899","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-coverage"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ainalalam.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110899","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ainalalam.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ainalalam.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ainalalam.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ainalalam.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=110899"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ainalalam.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110899\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ainalalam.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/110897"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ainalalam.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=110899"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ainalalam.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=110899"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ainalalam.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=110899"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}