Businesses in the United Arab Emirates are entering 2026 with strong economic momentum even as global risk levels continue to rise. New international risk outlook studies suggest that while growth prospects remain robust, companies must navigate an increasingly complex landscape shaped by cyber threats, geopolitical volatility, and operational disruption.
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Strong Economic Fundamentals
According to projections from the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, the UAE economy is expected to expand by more than 5 percent, driven primarily by non-oil sectors including technology, trade, logistics, financial services, and tourism.
The UAE’s diversification strategy continues to pay dividends. Investments in digital infrastructure, smart cities, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing have strengthened the country’s resilience and global competitiveness. As a regional hub connecting East and West, the UAE remains a preferred base for multinational operations and high-growth enterprises.
Rising Global Risk Environment
However, growth is unfolding alongside heightened global uncertainty.
Research from International SOS highlights cybersecurity, geopolitical instability, and climate-related threats among the top risks facing organisations worldwide. Businesses report that risks are becoming more interconnected and less predictable, increasing the need for proactive planning and real-time response capabilities.
Similarly, findings from the Aon Global Risk Management Survey rank cyber risk and business interruption among the most pressing concerns for corporate leaders.
In today’s operating environment, digital transformation while enabling innovation and efficiency also expands the attack surface for cyber threats. At the same time, supply chain disruptions, regulatory shifts, and regional conflicts continue to test organisational agility.
A Resilient and Adaptive Business Ecosystem
Despite these challenges, UAE-based firms are demonstrating strong preparedness and adaptability. Corporate leaders are increasingly prioritising:
- Advanced cybersecurity frameworks and threat intelligence
- Enterprise-wide risk management integration
- Crisis response and business continuity planning
- Supply chain diversification and localisation strategies
- ESG and sustainability alignment
The UAE’s regulatory clarity, political stability, and forward-looking economic policies further enhance investor confidence. Public-private collaboration in cybersecurity and infrastructure resilience has also strengthened the country’s risk mitigation capabilities.
Growth with Discipline
The narrative for UAE businesses is not growth versus risk it is growth through disciplined risk management.
Companies that embed resilience into their operating models are better positioned to capitalise on expanding regional opportunities while safeguarding long-term value creation.
As global volatility continues, the UAE’s balanced approach combining economic diversification, digital innovation, and structured risk governance positions its corporate sector to thrive in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.
