AI investment and supply chain restructuring are driving resilience and supporting growth strategies.
Dubai: Businesses in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are continuing to pursue international expansion plans despite regional volatility, with 97% reporting that they still see opportunities for global growth.
That confidence persists even as companies navigate disruptions across trade routes and growing uncertainty in the wider geopolitical environment, according to a new HSBC survey.
The study, which surveyed 3,000 firms and institutional investors across ten markets—including 600 respondents from the UAE and Saudi Arabia—shows that companies are adapting their operations while maintaining long-term growth ambitions
Regional strength
Senior executives in both markets show stronger confidence in their ability to adapt compared to global peers. Around 57% of respondents in Saudi Arabia and 50% in the UAE said they strongly believe they can reposition their organisations for the future, compared with a global average of 36%.
That confidence is closely tied to the region’s economic environment and ongoing diversification efforts, which continue to support business planning even during periods of uncertainty.
“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 and trade amid disruption in the region,” said Selim Kervanci, CEO for the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye at HSBC Bank Middle East.
Supply chains turned into a growth lever
Companies across both markets are reworking their supply chains with expansion in mind. Nearly all respondents see international opportunities emerging from these shifts, with 98% in Saudi Arabia and 95% in the UAE pointing to growth linked to supply chain adjustments.
At the same time, trade is expected to become more regionally focused. Around 94% of respondents believe cross-border activity will increasingly shift towards intraregional corridors over the next five years, while still maintaining global trade links.
This approach is helping companies keep goods moving while reducing exposure to external shocks that have disrupted supply chains in recent years.
Businesses in Saudi Arabia and the UAE remain committed to medium-term strategies, supported by confidence in the GCC’s economic fundamentals and long-term diversification plans. The survey indicates that while international expansion remains a long-term priority, firms are also looking to realign intraregional supply chains to sustain trade flows. At the same time, they are increasing investment in AI and digital capabilities to enhance productivity, decision-making, and competitiveness. As a leading international connector, HSBC continues to support clients in facilitating trade, capital, and investment flows to advance their growth ambitions, said Selim Kervanci, CEO for the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye at HSBC Bank Middle East.
AI spending moves higher on the agenda
Technology investment is rising on corporate priority lists. Around 60% of respondents said access to technology and infrastructure will play a key role in shaping strategy over the next three years.
AI is a key part of this shift, with companies using it to improve planning, strengthen decision-making, and manage operational risks more effectively.
Portfolio strategies are also evolving in the same direction. Increasing exposure to AI and technology themes ranked among the top drivers of investment decisions, cited by 52% of respondents in the UAE and 46% in Saudi Arabia.
Investment horizons are also lengthening. Around 73% of respondents in Saudi Arabia and 67% in the UAE said their timeframes have become longer compared to three years ago, indicating a more measured approach to capital deployment.
