Saudi Arabia CEOs Show 94% Growth Confidence

Saudi Arabia CEOs are entering 2026 with unprecedented confidence in the Kingdom’s economic trajectory, according to PwC’s 29th Global CEO Survey. The survey reveals that 94% of Saudi Arabia CEOs express strong confidence in domestic economic growth, marking a significant improvement from the previous year and reflecting the sustained momentum of Vision 2030 initiatives.

The remarkable optimism among business leaders stems from robust non-oil sector performance, record-breaking foreign investment inflows, and accelerating diversification across priority industries. Despite ongoing global uncertainties and geopolitical challenges, the Kingdom continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s top 10 destinations for foreign direct investment.

Long-Term Revenue Growth Expectations

While maintaining disciplined short-term strategies, 71% of Saudi Arabia CEOs anticipate revenue growth over the next three years, substantially exceeding the global average. This forward-looking confidence underscores a strategic shift toward long-term value creation as diversification efforts mature and non-oil demand continues expanding across manufacturing, tourism, infrastructure, and technology sectors.

AI Adoption and Innovation Leadership

Innovation has become deeply embedded in corporate strategy throughout the Kingdom. Nearly 65% of CEOs identify innovation as critical to their business strategy, with artificial intelligence playing a transformative role in reshaping operating models and customer engagement. Remarkably, 80% of CEOs report that their organizational culture actively supports AI adoption, positioning Saudi organizations ahead of many global peers in readiness to scale AI responsibly and effectively.

“CEOs in Saudi Arabia are entering the next phase of growth with confidence and clarity of purpose. By leveraging the Kingdom’s leading investment capabilities and Vision 2030 growth agenda, business leaders are investing in AI, innovation, and new sectors to build resilient, future-ready organisations.”
Riyadh Al Najjar, Chairman of the Board & Saudi Country Senior Partner, PwC Middle East

Strategic M&A and Cross-Sector Expansion

Deal activity reflects the strong growth outlook, with 73% of CEOs planning major acquisitions worth more than 10% of company assets in 2026, well above global levels. More significantly, 84% anticipate deal value coming from sectors outside their core industry over the next three years, compared to only 63% globally. Technology, media, and telecommunications have emerged as leading diversification targets, demonstrating willingness to reimagine traditional business models.

Talent Attraction and Retention Success

Nearly 70% of CEOs in Saudi Arabia report no difficulty attracting and retaining talent, a significant competitive advantage as the Kingdom builds robust talent ecosystems to support its economic transformation. This success reflects ongoing investments in education, training, and creating attractive career opportunities across emerging sectors.

Future Outlook and Strategic Priorities

As Saudi Arabia transitions into its next phase of economic development, business leaders are focusing on deepening productivity, embedding AI at scale, strengthening talent ecosystems, and using M&A as a capability accelerator. CEOs who invest now in innovation, data foundations, and resilient operating models will be best positioned to shape the Kingdom’s next decade of growth and reinforce its role as a leading global economic hub.