UAE Leads the Charge In Transformation Readiness, Study Shows

Organisations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are proving themselves better prepared for large-scale change than their global peers, according to a new international benchmark. The PROI Transformation Readiness Index 2025 found that UAE companies outperform across all four pillars of transformation readiness – Planning, Leadership, Engagement and Monitoring – scoring an overall 81 points compared with the global average of 73.

In an era where business disruption has become the norm rather than the exception, the findings shine a light on how the UAE’s unique business environment and leadership culture are positioning it at the forefront of transformation.

 

Transformation as a Constant

 

From artificial intelligence and climate urgency to geopolitical shifts and a new generation reshaping the workplace, transformation is no longer a one-off event, it’s a continuous (and essential) state of play. However, despite this reality, the global data suggests that many organisations still struggle to manage change effectively.

According to the PROI study (which surveyed 675 executives and 25 senior transformation experts across more than 30 countries) only one in four business leaders worldwide rate their transformation communication as effective. The weakest link is often monitoring, with 65% of organisations admitting they lack systems to track how well communication is landing during change.

Indeed, the consequences are clear – even the most robust strategies falter if communication breaks down. As Dirk Aarts, Project Leader of the PROI Transformation Report, put it: “Transformation fails not because strategy is flawed, but because communication breaks down. This study shows that communication is the engine that moves transformation forward. Without it, even the best plans stall.”

Globally, trust emerged as a decisive factor, with employees far more likely to support change in organisations where leadership communicates openly and consistently. Poor or inconsistent messaging, on the other hand, was found to undermine trust – and with it, the chances of success.

 

 

Why Is the UAE Ahead?

 

So, in this context, the UAE stands out as a clear leader. On the critical measure of explaining the purpose of change, UAE leaders scored 4.2 out of 5 (compared with a 3.7 globally), demonstrating their ability to articulate transformation clearly and secure alignment at speed.

Louise Mezzina, PR Partner at Mojo, PROI Worldwide’s exclusive partner in the UAE, explained why the region performs so strongly: “The UAE is a proving ground for transformation, where national ambition drives a relentless pace and a highly diverse workforce demands clarity at speed. This has pressure-tested organisations to communicate and align quickly, helping explain why the UAE scores ahead of global peers.”

The research highlighted several distinctive strengths in the UAE context:

• Visible Leadership: Senior leaders in the UAE are highly trusted and effective in setting goals and direction, creating clarity from the top.
• Middle Managers As Hinge Points: Transformation depends on the ability of middle manager to sustain alignment, especially in traditionally hierarchical structures.
• Renewing Alignment: With a transient workforce, alignment must be constantly refreshed, not just treated as a one-off push at the start of a programme.

However, the study also flagged a gap in external engagement. While UAE companies excel internally, regulators, partners and customers are often less involved in transformation efforts, creating a potential blind spot in a policy-driven market. Addressing this gap could strengthen resilience even further, so perhaps that’s the way forward from here for the UAE.

 

A Global Benchmark, A Local Pressure Test

 

The PROI Transformation Readiness Index 2025 isn’t just another survey – it serves as a strategic benchmark for organisations preparing for, navigating or recovering from transformation. Built around the four pillars of Planning, Leadership, Engagement and Monitoring, the study combines quantitative data with insights from senior transformation experts across multiple regions.

In the UAE, the findings reflect a wider reality – that is, the country’s relentless national ambition demands a continuous cycle of adaptation, innovation and delivery. For organisations, this means transformation readiness is not optional – it’s business-critical.

As Mezzina noted, sustaining momentum is key: “Our work with clients shows that sustaining momentum depends on keeping employees, managers, and external stakeholders aligned when change never slows down.”

 

The Lesson To Be Learned From the PROI Study and the UAE

 

The message from the PROI Transformation Readiness Index 2025 is pretty clear – transformation is not a temporary phase, it’s a permanent state of business. Communication is the make-or-break factor, and organisations that prioritise clarity, alignment and monitoring are the ones most likely to succeed.

The UAE’s strong performance demonstrates how visible leadership, rapid alignment and clarity of purpose can put organisations ahead of the curve in a volatile environment. At the same time, however, the findings also point to areas for improvement, particularly in strengthening external engagement and managing the challenges of a transient workforce.

For leaders both in the UAE and globally, the takeaway is clear – success in transformation is less about the plan itself and more about the ability to communicate it effectively, sustain alignment and renew trust. As disruption continues to define the business landscape, those who master these capabilities won’t just survive change, they’ll be leading the charge.