Businesses in Dubai are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence and predictive insights to make faster, more confident decisions, according to a new global survey by Coface.
The study, which surveyed 1,250 business leaders across 13 countries, found that 68% of executives identify slow decision-making as a major obstacle to business growth, highlighting a shift in how organisations view risk management. Rather than simply avoiding risk, companies are increasingly looking for ways to make informed decisions more quickly.
AI emerging as a key business tool
Among organisations in Dubai, 82% said they are prioritising AI-driven insights to improve decision-making, while 77% expect external partners to provide predictive intelligence that helps them anticipate market changes and act proactively.
The report suggests that businesses are moving beyond traditional risk management towards a model where data, analytics and AI support faster strategic decisions without compromising governance.
Strong governance, but room for greater agility
Dubai emerged as one of the more mature markets in the survey when it comes to governance and risk management.
According to the findings, 32% of organisations involve risk teams at the earliest stage of developing new ideas, compared with a global average of 24%. In addition, 36% already view risk functions as strategic partners for growth.
However, despite these strengths, many organisations still believe internal processes are slowing progress. While 38% continue to see risk primarily as a protective function, nearly one-third say slow decision-making remains one of the biggest barriers to growth.
Rethinking the role of risk
The survey points to a broader shift in corporate thinking, with businesses increasingly viewing risk management as an enabler rather than an obstacle.
Currently, only 24% of business leaders globally consider risk teams to be true growth partners, but that figure is expected to rise significantly. Around 44% believe risk and finance teams will become strategic contributors to business growth within the next three to five years.
The study also found that companies adopting a more collaborative approach—where risk teams are involved early and encouraged to challenge ideas constructively—are generally better positioned to respond quickly to uncertainty and seize new opportunities.
Data quality remains a challenge
Despite growing investment in AI, many organisations continue to struggle with fragmented information.
Only one in five companies surveyed reported having consistent data across all of their markets, making it more difficult to compare performance, anticipate risks and make timely decisions.
As a result, business leaders are calling for greater use of predictive analytics and AI-powered risk assessment tools to simulate different scenarios and improve planning.
From protection to prediction
According to Xavier Durand, companies are entering a new era where success depends less on avoiding uncertainty and more on using data to navigate it.
“The real challenge for companies is no longer to avoid risk, but to know how to turn uncertainty into informed decisions,” he said, adding that organisations with stronger intelligence capabilities are better equipped to make faster and more secure business decisions.
Commenting on the regional findings, Mohamad Jomaa said Dubai’s businesses already have strong governance foundations, but future growth will increasingly depend on how effectively they use data and AI to anticipate change and respond with greater agility.
The findings come as businesses across the UAE continue to invest in digital transformation, with AI and predictive analytics playing an increasingly important role in shaping strategy, improving operational resilience and supporting long-term growth.
