Women business leaders across the Middle East are transforming global uncertainty into opportunity, with 78% expressing confidence in their companies’ growth prospects over the next three years, according to KPMG’s Middle East Female Leaders Outlook 2025 report, A Call for Clarity.

The study reveals that women executives across the region remain optimistic about business and talent growth but are calling for clearer strategies in artificial intelligence (AI), environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, and workforce development.

Despite 65% of respondents reporting experiences of gender bias in the past three years, many are redefining leadership through empathy, resilience, and collaboration — qualities that are increasingly shaping corporate culture and innovation.

Across the Gulf, government-led reforms are accelerating women’s participation in leadership and technology. In the UAE, the Gender Balance Council continues to promote female representation in leadership and STEM, with women now making up 70% of university graduates and 56% of STEM graduates in public universities.

In Saudi Arabia, women’s labor force participation climbed to 36.3% in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing the Vision 2030 target of 30% well ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, Oman is expanding women’s roles in diplomacy and international organizations.

According to KPMG, 64% of female leaders in the region expect their companies’ earnings to grow between 2.5% and 9.9% in the next three years, driven by balanced investments in technology and human capital.

Notably, 60% of Middle East respondents said their organizations are investing more in people than technology — a contrast to the global figure, where 56% prioritize technology.

“Women leaders in the Middle East are demonstrating that resilience and clarity move together,” said Kholoud Moussa, Partner and Head of Our Impact Plan at KPMG Middle East. “Their confidence in growth is clear, matched by a call for stronger alignment between vision and execution.”

AI and ESG remain central to future competitiveness. While 44% identified AI as a top investment priority, many remain uncertain about integration strategies. Most (62%) see AI’s greatest benefit in improving efficiency and productivity.

On ESG, progress varies: 45% said ESG principles are fully embedded in their organizations, while nearly one-third were unsure. Almost half questioned whether their companies are on track to meet net-zero targets by 2030.

KPMG also highlights rising risks for women leaders, with nearly half of regional respondents reporting online abuse over the past three years. Among those affected, 54% faced harassment from fake profiles, while 39% experienced cyberbullying or defamation.

Despite these challenges, optimism remains high. Nearly three-quarters (74%) believe achieving gender equity in senior leadership would help meet business targets, though only 36% support quotas, preferring mentorship, training, and flexible work policies instead.

The report concludes that women executives in the Middle East are not only confident about their companies’ growth prospects but are also redefining corporate resilience through clarity, innovation, and inclusive leadership.