A new study by Heidrick & Struggles shows that CEOs in the UAE are more likely to have prior C-suite experience than their global peers, reflecting a strong preference for seasoned leadership amid a complex and evolving business landscape.
Findings from 2025 report
The Route to the Top 2025 report analysed the profiles of 1,232 CEOs from the largest publicly listed companies worldwide. In the UAE, 95% of CEOs have held a previous C-suite position, well above the global average of 77%. Furthermore, 64% of UAE-based CEOs have served as a CEO before, compared to 42% globally.
Only 5% of UAE CEOs reached the top role without prior C-suite experience, often progressing through roles such as vice-president or country manager.
Cross-border experience valued
Half of the UAE’s CEOs have cross-border work experience, surpassing the global average of 37%. The country also ranks fourth globally for the proportion of non-national CEOs at 43%, behind Hong Kong (69%), Switzerland (62%), and the UK (46%).
Additionally, 41% of CEO appointments in the UAE come from outside the organization, higher than the global average of 31%, suggesting a growing openness to external leadership talent.
Despite progress in leadership diversity, women remain underrepresented at the CEO level. The share of female CEOs in the UAE is 7%, slightly below the global average of 8%.
Focus on future-ready leadership
“The growing emphasis on inclusive leadership competencies signals a turning point for organizations in the UAE,” said Maliha Jilani, Partner-in-Charge, Middle East & North Africa.
“To build businesses that can thrive in uncertainty, companies must attract leaders who bring different perspectives, agility, and the ability to navigate global complexity while understanding local nuances.”
Dr Jay Bevington, Partner and CEO & Board of Directors Practice Lead in the region, added: “Organizations and boards will need to be increasingly intentional about the way they build up leadership pipelines for the future. By investing in a rigorous succession planning process, they can develop a strong bench of future-ready leaders.”
The findings reflect how CEO profiles in the UAE are evolving in line with both national development goals and global business challenges.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
