Top 3 Issues on the Minds of MENA Board Directors in 2025
In 2025, boardrooms across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are navigating a complex landscape shaped by rapid technological advancements, evolving regulatory frameworks, and shifting workforce dynamics. As nations pursue ambitious transformation agendas like Saudi Vision 2030, the UAE’s Digital Economy Strategy, and Qatar National Vision 2030, board directors are increasingly proactive in steering their organizations through these multifaceted challenges.
At ANC Global, our collaboration with boards and C-suite leaders across the MENA region has identified three critical and converging concerns.
Talent Risk and Leadership Pipeline Readiness
The MENA region is experiencing a surge in demand for strategic leadership talent, driven by substantial investments in infrastructure, sustainability, and artificial intelligence (AI). In Saudi Arabia, over 50% of CEOS identify leadership capacity as their primary growth constraint—a sentiment echoed throughout the region.
Board members are now actively involved in:
Evaluating succession planning models
Reviewing leadership development frameworks
Monitoring talent mobility across borders and business units
Aligning human capital strategy with risk and growth planning
A recent Korn Ferry study revealed that 87% of MENA boards lack full confidence in their CEO successors, highlighting a significant governance concern.
ANC Global Solutions:
Boardroom Questions to Consider:
Is our talent pipeline agile enough to meet our growth ambitions?
How are we developing future leaders across business units and geographies?
Do we have metrics in place to track the ROI of leadership development?
Further Reading:
ESG, Labor Nationalization, and Regulatory Complexity
The regulatory environment in MENA is becoming increasingly intricate as governments enforce ESG integration, data governance, and workforce nationalization mandates. MENA board directors are now directly accountable for ensuring that HR compliance, ESG metrics, and labor strategies are harmoniously integrated.
In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, non-compliance with Emiratisation and Saudisation targets can lead to substantial fines and operational disruptions. Simultaneously, ESG disclosure obligations are expanding, with several jurisdictions adopting mandatory ISSB-aligned reporting by 2025.
ANC Global Solutions:
Key Metrics for Boards:
Percentage of local versus expatriate hires in key functions
Proportion of leadership roles occupied by nationals
Alignment of ESG scorecards across HR, procurement, and finance
Progress against board-defined DEI objectives
Further Reading:
AI Transformation and Digital Strategy Oversight
AI is rapidly transforming industries, and MENA countries are at the forefront of this revolution. Saudi Arabia’s launch of “Humain,” an AI company under the Public Investment Fund, aims to position the kingdom as a global AI hub by developing advanced AI technologies and infrastructure.
Boards are now tasked with overseeing digital maturity, establishing ethics and governance frameworks, and understanding how automation will reshape their workforce. However, many board directors feel underprepared to evaluate and govern AI adoption effectively.
ANC Global Solutions:
Boardroom Agenda Suggestions:
Approve frameworks for AI governance and transparency
Track ROI of technology investments through people and productivity metrics
Establish digital literacy as a strategic imperative for leadership
Further Reading:
Conclusion: A Transformational Year for Board Leadership in MENA
The year 2025 marks a pivotal point for board directors in the MENA region. Addressing talent risks, navigating regulatory complexities, and overseeing AI-driven transformations are no longer isolated challenges but interconnected facets of strategic governance.
How ANC Global Can Empower Your Business
At ANC Global, we specialize in aligning board-level strategies with organizational transformation. Our comprehensive services in HR consulting, leadership development, and organizational design are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by boards in the MENA region.
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