DUBAI — While regional uncertainty has many global markets treading cautiously, businesses in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are doubling down on international expansion. According to a new HSBC survey, a staggering 97% of firms in these two nations still see significant scope for global growth, driven by aggressive AI investment and a strategic overhaul of supply chains.
The study, which polled 3,000 institutional investors and firms across ten markets, reveals a region that is not just weathering geopolitical disruption but actively repositioning itself to lead the next phase of global trade.
A Confidence Surplus
Middle Eastern executives are showing significantly higher levels of confidence than their international counterparts. While the global average for leaders who "strongly believe" they can realign their organizations for the future sits at 36%, the figures in the Gulf are far more bullish:
- Saudi Arabia: 57%
- UAE: 50%
This optimism is anchored by the region’s robust economic diversification efforts, which provide a stable foundation even when trade routes face external shocks.
"As a lynchpin of global trade, this survey gives a glimpse of the immediate response measures undertaken by firms in Saudi Arabia and the UAE to secure the flow of goods," said Selim Kervanci, CEO (MENAT) at HSBC Bank Middle East.
Supply Chains: From Risk to Lever
Instead of retreating from global trade due to disruption, companies are redesigning their supply chains to serve as growth levers.
- 98% of Saudi firms and 95% of UAE firms see international opportunities emerging directly from these logistical adjustments.
- Regional Concentration: 94% of respondents believe trade will become more "intraregional" over the next five years, strengthening ties within the GCC while maintaining vital global connections.
This "regional tilt" allows firms to minimize exposure to external volatility while keeping the flow of goods efficient and resilient.
The AI and Tech Frontier
Technology has moved to the very top of the corporate agenda, with 60% of respondents stating that access to digital infrastructure will define their strategy over the next three years.
| Tech Priority | UAE Respondents | Saudi Respondents |
|---|---|---|
| AI as an Investment Driver | 52% | 46% |
| Increased Investment Horizon | 67% | 73% |
The push toward Artificial Intelligence is no longer just about automation; it is being deployed to strengthen decision-making, manage operational risks, and improve productivity. Furthermore, the survey highlights a shift toward "long-termism," with the majority of firms extending their investment timeframes compared to three years ago.
Looking Ahead
The findings suggest that the UAE and Saudi Arabia are transitioning from being mere participants in global trade to becoming its resilient architects. By blending AI-driven insights with a more localized supply chain model, these firms are building a "measured approach" to capital deployment that favors long-term stability over short-term reactionary shifts.
