Female 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 finds that women executives across the region remain optimistic about business and talent growth, while calling for clearer corporate strategies on 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.

Across the Gulf, government-led reforms are accelerating women’s participation in leadership and technology sectors. In the UAE, the Gender Balance Council has been instrumental in advancing female representation in leadership and STEM fields, with women now accounting for 70% of university graduates and 56% of STEM graduates at public universities. 

In Saudi Arabia, female labor force participation rose to 36.3% in Q1 2025, surpassing the Vision 2030 target of 30% well ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, Oman continues to expand women’s representation in diplomacy and international organizations.

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

While 60% of regional respondents said their organizations are investing more in people than technology, the global figure stands at 56% prioritizing 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. Progress will depend on how clearly companies define priorities — from AI and ESG to investments in people and culture.”

Although 44% of respondents identified AI as a top investment priority, a similar share remained uncertain about how to integrate it into their business strategies. Most (62%) cited efficiency and productivity gains as the main benefits of AI adoption.

ESG progress remains uneven: 45% of women leaders said ESG principles are fully embedded in their organizations, while one in three were unsure of their extent. Nearly half also questioned whether their companies are on track to meet net-zero targets by 2030.

The report notes that women leaders view both AI and ESG as vital to competitiveness but seek greater clarity, measurable frameworks, and actionable roadmaps to translate ambition into results.

KPMG’s research also highlights growing risks for women in leadership, with nearly half of Middle East respondents (and 57% globally) reporting increased online abuse over the past three years. Among those affected, 54% cited harassment from fake profiles, and 39% experienced cyberbullying or defamation.

Despite these challenges, respondents remain confident in the power of inclusive leadership to drive growth. 74% said achieving gender equity in the C-suite would help meet business targets, though only 36% supported mandated quotas, preferring mentorship networks, leadership programs, and flexible workplace policies instead.

The report concludes that women executives across the region are not only confident about their growth outlook but are also redefining corporate resilience.