Qatari CEOs Boost Investment in AI and Acquisitions Amid Strong Economic Optimism

Doha | EcoPulse24
Qatar CEOs Double Down on AI, Acquisitions and Growth in Line With National Transformation Goals

Business leaders in Qatar are showing record optimism about the domestic economy and their own growth prospects, with artificial intelligence and strategic investments emerging as central pillars of corporate strategy, according to PwC’s 29th Global CEO Survey.

The survey shows that 97% of CEOs in Qatar expect economic growth to improve over the next 12 months, reflecting strong confidence in local market fundamentals. At the corporate level, 84% of executives are confident in their companies’ revenue growth over the next three years, underlining sustained momentum despite a challenging global backdrop.

This optimism is translating into decisive action. A striking 90% of Qatar CEOs plan to pursue at least one major acquisition within the next three years, more than double the global average of 41%, signalling an aggressive push toward diversification and long-term expansion.

AI shifts from experimentation to core operations

Artificial intelligence is moving rapidly from pilot projects to enterprise-wide deployment. The survey indicates that 84% of CEOs in Qatar have clearly defined AI roadmaps, while 81% point to a strong organisational culture that supports AI adoption. In addition, 77% say they have access to the right technology environment to integrate AI at scale.

AI is increasingly embedded across core business functions, including demand generation, fulfilment, support services and directly within products, services and customer experiences. As adoption deepens, CEOs are placing greater emphasis on governance, workforce upskilling and enterprise-wide integration to ensure AI delivers measurable and sustainable value.

Dealmaking highlights confidence and diversification

The strong appetite for mergers and acquisitions reflects both confidence and a strategic shift beyond traditional sectors. More than 55% of CEOs say their organisations are already competing in new industries, pointing to a deliberate effort to build new capabilities. Technology, consumer-facing businesses and services remain among the most attractive areas as companies seek fresh sources of growth.

Investing through uncertainty

Despite ongoing geopolitical and economic risks, Qatar’s business leaders are choosing to invest rather than retrench. 61% of CEOs say geopolitical instability will have little or no impact on their likelihood of making large new investments, underscoring confidence in the domestic operating environment.

At the same time, perceived cyber risk exposure has declined compared with last year, reflecting increased investment in digital resilience and risk management as technology adoption accelerates.

Outlook

Looking ahead, growth in Qatar is expected to favour companies that can deliver tangible outcomes in priority areas such as artificial intelligence, innovation and future-ready initiatives. Over the coming years, CEOs will need to sharpen talent strategies and work closely with government-led national programmes to capture value as Qatar enters the next phase of its economic transformation.

Bassam Hajhamad, Qatar Country Senior Partner and Consulting Lead at PwC Middle East, said CEOs in Qatar are entering the next growth phase “with exceptional confidence, clarity of direction and long-term purpose,” as they scale AI, pursue strategic acquisitions and align closely with national priorities to build a more resilient and competitive economy.