Businesses across Saudi Arabia and the UAE are pressing ahead with international expansion plans, with 97 per cent of firms continuing to see scope for global growth despite regional volatility, according to a new HSBC survey.
The findings reflect strong corporate confidence across the Gulf, as companies increasingly focus on supply chain redesign, artificial intelligence, and strategic investments to strengthen resilience and sustain long-term growth.
The survey, conducted among 3,000 international businesses and institutional investors across 10 markets, including 600 respondents from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, found that companies in both markets remain committed to medium-term expansion strategies despite disruption in regional trade routes and wider geopolitical uncertainty.
Table of Contents
Supply Chain Redesign Drives Resilience
A key theme emerging from the study is the growing emphasis on reworking supply chains to protect business continuity and unlock new trade opportunities.
Companies across both markets are reassessing sourcing routes, logistics networks, and regional trade corridors to ensure the continued movement of goods and services.
The report notes that 98 per cent of respondents in Saudi Arabia and 95 per cent in the UAE see growth opportunities linked to supply chain adjustments, highlighting a shift from short-term risk management to long-term operational transformation.
This reflects the region’s evolving role as a strategic global trade and logistics hub, particularly as businesses look to strengthen intraregional connectivity.
Confidence in Regional Economic Fundamentals
The survey also underscores strong confidence in the Gulf’s economic outlook.
Senior executives in both countries expressed confidence in their ability to reposition organisations for future growth, supported by ongoing economic diversification, infrastructure investment, and policy reforms.
This confidence is closely aligned with broader transformation agendas in both markets, including continued expansion in non-oil sectors such as logistics, finance, manufacturing, technology, and construction.
Businesses also indicated that trade flows are expected to become increasingly regionally concentrated over the next five years, while still maintaining international market access.
AI and Digital Investment Gain Momentum
Beyond physical supply chains, the report highlights growing investment in AI and digital capabilities as a core part of business growth strategies.
Companies are increasingly deploying technology to improve forecasting, productivity, operational efficiency, and decision-making, reinforcing the region’s shift toward future-ready business models.
The findings come at a time when Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to strengthen their positions as leading business and investment destinations in the Middle East, supported by strong economic fundamentals and long-term diversification ambitions.
