Boards across the Middle East are leading globally in addressing the governance implications of artificial intelligence, according to new research from Board Intelligence, EMEA’s largest board technology and advisory firm. The latest Board Value Index surveyed more than 400 non-executive directors, CEOs, and CFOs across the UK, US, Nordics, and Middle East. It reveals that regional boards are the most confident globally in the value they create and are further ahead than their international peers in addressing the governance implications of artificial intelligence.
The data shows 58% of boards are actively reviewing which decisions should remain human-led versus AI-led, ahead of all other regions. Additionally, 86% of respondents say their board enables innovation, the highest level recorded globally. Nearly two-thirds (62%) of Middle East boards dedicate the majority of meeting time to future-focused discussions, placing them ahead of the UK and Nordics and second only to the US. This focus suggests a strong emphasis on long-term growth and competitiveness.
Despite this progress, skills and expertise gaps remain the region's biggest boardroom challenge. Skills and subject matter expertise were identified as the region’s biggest barrier to better board decision-making, cited by 34% of respondents. The study found that 80% of Middle East directors reported this issue led to a delayed, rushed, or poor board decision in the past six months. This highlights a critical need to address knowledge gaps as demands on directors expand.
Pippa Begg, CEO and Co-founder of Board Intelligence, highlighted the dynamic economic environment in the region. She noted that organizations are transforming rapidly and new industries are emerging, requiring boards to oversee decisions involving technology, innovation, and risk simultaneously.
"Our research shows that Middle East boards are among the most forward-looking globally and are leading many of the conversations around AI governance and future readiness."
— Pippa Begg, CEO and Co-founder of Board Intelligence
More than two in five Middle East directors (42%) describe their board as an essential tool for value creation, the highest proportion of any region surveyed. The findings reflect the broader transformation taking place across the region, where governments and organisations are investing heavily in artificial intelligence, digital capabilities, and future industries. The research did not specify the exact timeline for addressing the identified skills gaps.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of Middle East boards are actively reviewing which decisions should be human‑led versus AI‑led?
According to the Board Intelligence Index, 58% of Middle East boards are actively reviewing which decisions should remain human‑led versus AI‑led, the highest rate among all regions surveyed.
Which region leads globally in AI governance according to the latest Board Value Index?
The latest Board Value Index shows that boards in the Middle East are the most confident globally and lead the world in addressing AI governance and innovation.
What is the biggest boardroom challenge identified by Middle East directors in the study?
The study found that skills and subject‑matter expertise gaps are the biggest barrier for Middle East boards, with 34% of respondents citing this as the main challenge to better decision‑making.
How much meeting time do Middle East boards dedicate to future‑focused discussions?
Nearly two‑thirds (62%) of Middle East boards allocate the majority of their meeting time to future‑focused discussions, placing them ahead of the UK and Nordics and second only to the US.
What proportion of Middle East directors consider their board an essential tool for value creation?
More than two in five Middle East directors—42%—describe their board as an essential tool for creating value, the highest proportion recorded in the survey.
What percentage of Middle East directors said skills gaps led to delayed or poor board decisions in the past six months?
The research reports that 80% of Middle East directors said skills and expertise gaps caused a delayed, rushed, or poor board decision within the last six months.
