Protectionism

Geo-politics and protectionism are emerging as a big concern for regional CEOs. After many years of widespread consensus on globalisation, the potential withdrawal from trade agreements, the imposition of embargoes, regional political differences and the UK leaving the European Union (EU) show nationalism is on the rise and the CEOs are concerned about the impact of such factors on their business. The study found that technology transformation and need to invest in cyber security are among major concerns for CEOs from the UAE and Oman.

On the positive side, CEOs expect recent reforms to ease cost of doing business and attract new investors. It is expected that new laws allowing 100 per cent foreign ownership of companies and relaxation in visa rules outside of free zones may encourage new investors.