Cybersecurity Tops Leadership Agenda in Middle East as AI Readiness Lags: Heidrick & Struggles

Cybersecurity has emerged as the top concern for business leaders in the Middle East heading into 2026, while readiness to manage artificial intelligence (AI) continues to lag, according to a new report by Heidrick & Struggles.

The firm’s latest CEO & Board Monitor survey, which gathered insights from 148 regional leaders, found that 49% of respondents identified cybersecurity as one of the most significant challenges their organisations expect to face this year. This marks the highest level among all regions surveyed and significantly exceeds the global average of 31%.

Despite heightened concern, confidence in managing cybersecurity risks remains strong. Around 58% of Middle East leaders expressed confidence in their organisation’s ability to address cybersecurity threats, compared to 51% globally, reflecting the region’s growing maturity in handling digital risk.

At the same time, Artificial Intelligence is rapidly climbing the leadership agenda. The survey revealed that 47% of respondents view AI as a major issue for 2026, again the highest proportion globally and above the worldwide average of 44%.

However, confidence in managing AI remains comparatively lower. Only 36% of Middle East respondents reported confidence in their organisation’s ability to oversee AI-related challenges, slightly below the global average of 39%. This gap suggests that many organisations are still in the process of developing governance frameworks and leadership capabilities to manage emerging technologies effectively.

Maliha Jilani, Partner-in-Charge for the Middle East and North Africa, noted that while cybersecurity preparedness in the region is well-established, AI presents a fundamentally different challenge due to its pace of evolution. She emphasised the need for organisations to rethink governance structures, enhance board-level expertise, and establish dedicated advisory mechanisms to keep up with technological advancements.

The report also highlights broader leadership challenges amid ongoing digital transformation. Only 46% of respondents expressed confidence in their organisation’s ability to maintain a healthy workplace culture, significantly below the global average of 55%, making it the lowest among surveyed regions.

Jay Bevington, Global Board Advisory Leader at Heidrick & Struggles, stressed the importance of active board involvement in shaping organisational culture. He noted that as AI-driven change accelerates and external pressures reshape business operations, both boards and CEOs must take a more proactive role in guiding cultural direction.

Overall, the findings underline a shifting leadership landscape in the Middle East, where organisations demonstrate strong preparedness in cybersecurity but must accelerate efforts to build governance, expertise, and cultural resilience in the face of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence.cybersecurity Middle East, AI readiness UAE, Heidrick Struggles report, CEO board survey 2026, digital risk management, AI governance challenges, Middle East business leadership, cybersecurity confidence UAE, organisational culture leadership, technology transformation MENA