Boards across the Middle East are positioning themselves at the forefront of technology governance, with new research indicating that the region’s directors are more engaged in artificial intelligence oversight and future-focused decision-making than their counterparts elsewhere.
A global survey conducted by board advisory and technology specialist Board Intelligence found that Middle Eastern boardrooms are among the most confident in their ability to create value, while also taking a proactive stance on the governance challenges and opportunities emerging from AI adoption.
The study, which gathered responses from more than 400 board members, chief executives and finance leaders across multiple regions, showed that 42% of directors in the Middle East view their boards as a critical engine for value creation—the highest share recorded among all surveyed markets.
Innovation also features prominently on board agendas. Around 86% of respondents said their boards support innovation initiatives, while 58% reported that directors are actively evaluating which business decisions should remain under human control and which could increasingly be influenced by artificial intelligence.
The findings mirror a broader shift taking place across Gulf economies, where diversification strategies, digital transformation programmes and investments in emerging technologies are reshaping corporate priorities.
Boardrooms in the region are also dedicating significant attention to the future. Nearly two-thirds of directors said most of their board meeting time is spent discussing long-term opportunities and strategic developments, placing the Middle East ahead of several mature markets in future-oriented governance.
Yet the research also highlighted challenges. Expertise remains a pressing concern, with 34% of respondents identifying skills and subject-matter knowledge as the biggest obstacle to stronger board decisions. Four out of five directors acknowledged that capability gaps had contributed to at least one delayed, rushed or suboptimal decision during the previous six months.
The survey suggests that Middle Eastern boards increasingly see emerging technologies not simply as risks to manage, but as opportunities to capture. Thirty per cent of directors said discussions around quantum computing are primarily centred on strategic potential, exceeding the global average. Meanwhile, more than half are already reassessing governance structures to accommodate AI-driven decision-making.
This shift reflects a growing recognition that competitiveness in the coming decade will depend not only on adopting advanced technologies but also on modernising the frameworks used to oversee them.
Despite the strong performance, directors believe there is still room for improvement. Only 22% said their boards are highly effective at enabling innovation, indicating that many organisations see untapped potential in how governance can accelerate transformation initiatives.
Succession planning emerged as another area requiring attention. Nearly two-thirds of respondents said their organisations would need additional talent development efforts or an external search before being able to immediately appoint a new chief executive if required.
Overall, the findings paint a picture of a region where boardrooms are becoming increasingly strategic, technology-aware and future-focused, while continuing to refine the skills, expertise and leadership pipelines needed to sustain long-term growth.
