Dubai – Sharikat Mubasher: Cybersecurity is set to be the top challenge facing organizations in the Middle East in 2026, according to Heidrick & Struggles’ latest CEO & Board Monitor report.

Based on a survey of 148 regional leaders, the report found that 49% of respondents identified cybersecurity risk as a key concern—the highest among all regions surveyed and significantly above the 31% global average. Despite this, confidence remains relatively strong, with 58% of leaders in the region saying they are equipped to manage cybersecurity threats, compared to 51% globally.

Artificial intelligence is also climbing rapidly on the corporate agenda. Around 47% of Middle East respondents expect AI to be a major challenge this year, again the highest share globally. However, confidence in managing AI lags behind, with only 36% expressing readiness, slightly below the global average.

Maliha Jilani, Partner-in-Charge at Heidrick & Struggles Middle East & North Africa, noted that while cybersecurity capabilities in the region are well established, AI presents a faster-moving and more complex challenge, requiring new governance approaches and board-level expertise.

The report also highlights cultural concerns, with only 46% of regional leaders confident in their organization’s ability to maintain a healthy workplace culture, compared to 55% globally. Jay Bevington, Global Board Advisory Leader and CEO and Board of Directors Leader in the Middle East & North Africa, added that the role of boards in shaping culture is often underestimated, stressing that both CEOs and boards must take a more active role in evaluating whether organizational culture is keeping pace with rapid workplace transformation driven by AI and external pressures.

Overall, the findings underscore a shift in leadership priorities across the Middle East, with organizations focusing on strengthening governance, managing emerging technologies, and sustaining culture amid rapid transformation.