Businesses across the UAE and Saudi Arabia are refusing to let global uncertainty derail their growth ambitions. According to a new HSBC survey of 3,000 firms and institutional investors across ten markets, a remarkable 97% of respondents in both countries still see room for international expansion — even as geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions mount.
The survey highlights a region that is adapting rather than retreating. Around 57% of Saudi executives and 50% of UAE executives said they strongly believe they can realign their organisations for the future, well above the global average of 36%.
Supply chain restructuring is emerging as a key growth driver. Nearly all respondents see international opportunities emerging from supply chain changes, with 98% in Saudi Arabia and 95% in the UAE pointing to growth linked to these adjustments. Additionally, 94% expect cross-border trade to tilt more toward intraregional corridors over the next five years.
Technology investment is also moving up the agenda. Around 60% of respondents said access to technology and infrastructure will shape strategy over the next three years, with AI investment ranked among the top drivers of portfolio decisions — cited by 52% of UAE respondents and 46% in Saudi Arabia.
Longer investment horizons are becoming the norm too, with 67% of UAE firms and 73% of Saudi firms extending their timeframes compared to three years ago — a signal of strategic confidence despite short-term noise.
For UAE businesses, the data reinforces a clear narrative: volatility is being treated as a moment to reposition, not retreat.
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