The Middle East Is Setting the Boardroom Agenda on AI
When a global study asks over 400 board directors, CEOs, and CFOs across multiple regions who is leading on AI governance, the answer might not be who you expect. According to the latest Board Value Index from Board Intelligence, boards across the Middle East are outpacing counterparts in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Nordics when it comes to governing artificial intelligence and thinking strategically about the future.
The study surveyed participants from across these regions, examining how boards allocate their time, how they approach AI as a strategic topic, and where they see themselves relative to global peers. The results show the Middle East punching well above its weight.
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Where the Middle East Pulls Ahead
The most striking finding is around how boards actually use their meeting time. Nearly two-thirds of Middle East board members surveyed said that the majority of their meeting time is dedicated to long-term growth, innovation, and competitiveness. That is significantly higher than what was reported across other regions, where shorter-term operational and compliance matters tend to dominate boardroom agendas.
Nearly two-thirds of ME board members focus the majority of meeting time on long-term growth ME boards are more likely to treat AI as a strategic opportunity, not just a risk Directors in the region are more open to quantum computing as a future growth lever Skills and expertise gaps flagged as the key challenge to board effectiveness Study covered 400+ board members, CEOs and CFOs across ME, US, UK and Nordics
On AI specifically, the study found that Middle East boards are more inclined to frame artificial intelligence as a growth opportunity rather than defaulting to a pure risk-management lens. Many organisations in the region are actively reviewing how AI should reshape governance structures and decision-making frameworks, a sign of genuine strategic engagement rather than surface-level compliance.
Beyond AI: Quantum Computing and Emerging Technologies
The forward-thinking posture extends beyond AI. Directors in the Middle East are more likely than global peers to view emerging technologies such as quantum computing as long-term growth opportunities. This aligns with the significant investments being made by Gulf governments in advanced science and deep technology through sovereign wealth funds, research institutions, and national strategies.
For business leaders in Dubai and across the UAE, this is not a surprise. The national AI strategy, the DIFC's growing role as a technology hub, and the scale of investment flowing into research and innovation all create an environment where boards are naturally pushed toward forward-looking thinking.
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The Gap That Still Needs Closing
The study is not entirely a celebration. It identifies skills and expertise gaps as a persistent challenge. Many board members acknowledged that shortages in specialist knowledge, particularly around technology and AI, can limit the quality of board-level decision-making.
This is a critical issue for any region moving fast on AI adoption. Building board-level technical literacy is not a short-term fix; it requires deliberate investment in director education, diverse recruitment, and stronger links between the business community and the technology ecosystem.
For companies based in Dubai, the broader ecosystem resources available through hubs like the Dubai AI Campus and government-backed initiatives provide a useful starting point for building that knowledge base at the leadership level.
