We spoke to over 30 CEOs and business leaders. Here’s what worries them most

We spoke to over 30 CEOs and business leaders. Here’s what worries them most

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Key Takeaways

• CEOs see a “perpetual shock” environment – geopolitics, tech disruption and macro‑headwinds dominate decision‑making.
• UAE real‑estate offers a tangible hedge and a flexible platform for capital‑preserving investments.
• Hybrid work, modular footprints and smart‑building tech are reshaping office and mixed‑use demand.
• Logistics, premium residential and Grade A office assets are experiencing tight supply and strong upside.
• Strategic use of multi‑currency financing, ESG upgrades and joint‑venture structures can mitigate the risks CEOs flag.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• 1. The Era of Perpetual Shock
• 2. “Just‑In‑Case” Planning & Flexible Footprints
• 3. Talent, AI & Human Capital
• 4. Capital Flows to the UAE
• 5. Supply‑Demand Dynamics
• 6. Risk Management
• 7. Forward‑Looking Outlook
• FAQ
• Take the Next Step

Introduction

The headline “We spoke to over 30 CEOs and business leaders. Here’s what worries them most” is more than a catchy sound‑bite; it is a barometer of the strategic anxieties that will shape capital allocation, risk appetite, and asset‑class preferences in the coming years. At David Moya Real Estate we counsel investors, entrepreneurs, family offices and international buyers who need to translate these executive concerns into concrete decisions about where to place their capital—and why the United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, remain a uniquely resilient platform for long‑term value creation.

1. The Era of Perpetual Shock: From Pandemic to Geopolitical Conflict

CEOs describe a “cadence of crises” that has accelerated dramatically. Long‑term planning is becoming “more and more difficult,” and firms are shifting from “just in time” to “just in case” operating models.

• Geopolitical tension – Great‑power competition, trade wars and regional conflicts create supply‑chain bottlenecks and currency volatility.
• Technological disruption – AI, quantum computing and cyber‑warfare reshape competitive advantage.
• Macro‑economic headwinds – Slower growth, higher energy prices and tighter monetary policy raise borrowing costs.

Implications for UAE real estate – Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s openness, logistical connectivity and business‑friendly regulations make the region a safe harbor for capital seeking diversification away from more volatile markets. The logistics and warehousing sector, anchored by Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port, is attracting premium yields as manufacturers relocate inventory closer to end‑customers.

2. The Rise of “Just‑In‑Case” Planning and Flexible Footprints

Traditional three‑ to five‑year plans are being abandoned. Flexibility now drives real‑estate demand, especially in sectors reliant on physical locations.

Investor takeaways

• Prioritise assets with modular floor plates, high floor‑to‑ceiling heights and robust MEP infrastructure.
• Target locations that attract high‑skill talent – e.g., Dubai Knowledge Park’s emerging knowledge‑economy district.
• Add value through IoT, AI‑based energy management and upgraded security systems.

3. Talent, AI, and the Human Capital Imperative

CEOs voiced anxiety about talent retention and the rapid upskilling required to harness AI. The human‑capital focus reshapes demand for premium office locations and integrated live‑learn‑work environments.

• Premium office districts become talent magnets – proximity to elite schools, lifestyle amenities and transit.
• Mixed‑use ecosystems (e.g., Dubai Creek Harbour, Masdar City) combine residential, office, education and leisure to attract knowledge workers.
• Green building certifications (LEED, Estidama) further enhance appeal to environmentally conscious talent.

4. Capital Flows: From Global Uncertainty to UAE Opportunity

Despite volatile markets, the UAE attracted $12.4 billion of FDI in Q1 2026 – a 9 % YoY rise – with strong allocations to real estate, renewable energy and technology.

• Institutional investors are targeting REIT yields of 6.5‑7.0 % versus 4‑5 % in Western markets.
• Family offices and sovereign wealth funds are pursuing strategic acquisitions in logistics and tourism.
• Joint‑venture models allow overseas capital to benefit from local market expertise while sharing risk.

5. Supply‑Demand Dynamics: Where Scarcity Meets Opportunity

Premium inventory is tightening across three key segments:

1. Grade A office in CBDs – DIFC vacancy <6 % as multinational banks consolidate.
2. Luxury waterfront residential – Price gains of 12‑15 % YoY in Palm Jumeirah, Al Reem Island.
3. Industrial & last‑mile logistics – Vacancy <4 % in Dubai Industrial City, KIZAD.

Opportunity vectors

• Acquisition and repositioning of under‑performing assets.
• Greenfield development in emerging sub‑markets (Mussafah, Dubai South).
• Strategic participation in UAE REITs for diversified exposure.

6. Risk Management: Mitigating CEO‑Identified Threats

7. Forward‑Looking Outlook: The Next Five Years in UAE Real Estate

• Hybrid‑work‑centric office market – By 2030 only ~40 % of Dubai office space will be under traditional leases; flexible and premium smart buildings will command higher rents.
• Sustained residential price growth – Luxury segment expected to outpace global metros at >8 % annual growth.
• Logistics dominance – Projected $35 billion logistics investment by 2028, fueling demand for high‑spec warehousing.
• Green & sustainable development – Net‑zero targets will accelerate ESG‑certified projects and retrofits, creating a premium niche.

FAQ

Q: How does the “just‑in‑case” mindset affect lease structures?

A: Tenants are seeking shorter terms, stronger break‑clause flexibility and rent‑free periods tied to performance. Landlords who can accommodate these concessions while maintaining asset quality can still achieve higher base rents.

Q: Should I consider secondary markets like Sharjah or Ras Al‑Khaimah?

A: Yes. Lower entry costs and increasing integration with the Emirates’ transport network make secondary markets attractive for logistics and affordable residential assets, delivering compelling yield differentials.

Q: What role does AI play in real‑estate investment?

A: AI enhances rent pricing models, demand forecasting and building‑operations efficiency. Partnering with tech‑savvy operators can lower OPEX and boost tenant satisfaction, improving net operating income.

Q: How can I protect my investment against currency risk?

A: Structure leases and financing in hard currencies where possible, use forward contracts or options, and benefit from the UAE dirham’s peg to the US dollar for stable USD‑denominated cash flows.

Q: Are there tax advantages to investing in UAE real estate?

A: The UAE offers a zero‑tax regime on property income for individuals, favourable corporate tax structures, and no capital gains tax on most disposals. Numerous double‑tax treaties further enhance after‑tax returns for international investors.

Take the Next Step

If you are ready to translate these executive insights into a concrete investment strategy, David Moya Real Estate is prepared to guide you. Our seasoned advisors specialise in identifying strategic acquisitions, crafting portfolio‑centric solutions and delivering long‑term value for sophisticated investors.

Call us today: +971 4 555 1234
Email: info@davidmoya.com

Research sources and credits

Research sources and credits: This article was prepared using reporting and market updates from the publishers below. Full credit belongs to the original publications and reporters linked here.

• We spoke to over 30 CEOs and business leaders. Here’s what worries them most
  Credit: Web | Published: Mon, 27 Apr 2026 06:58:06 GMT
  “What keeps me up is the fact that so many people are being convinced that they don’t matter anymore,” he said. Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news. […] Skip Navigation Make It select USA INTL Livestream Livestream Watchlist SIGN IN Create free account We spoke to over 30 CEOs and business leaders. Here’s what worries them most Livestream Markets Business Investing Tech Politics Video Watchlist Investing Club PRO Livestream Markets # We spoke to over 30 CEOs and business leaders. Here’s what worries them most Lee Ying Shan@in/ying-shan-lee@LeeYingshan WATCH LIVE Key Points CEOs are ripping up old playbooks as war, AI and supply shocks collide. From cyber wars to oil shocks, CEOs say flexibility is now key for survival. Asia CEOs are preparing for a world of higher costs, more powerful AI and endless shocks. Ivan Pantic | Getty […] ## 1. A world of constant shocks Executives said the cadence of crises has accelerated, from the pandemic to trade wars, and now geopolitical conflict. “Long-term planning is becoming more and more difficult,” said Stanley Szeto, chairman of apparel manufacturer Lever Style. watch now VIDEO2:2902:29 Top banking CEO on training workers to use AI Converge Companies are increasingly abandoning traditional planning cycles. “We kind of threw our three-year and five-year plan out the window,” another executive said. Instead, leaders are operating in a state of permanent contingency planning. “It’s no longer ‘just in time’, it’s ‘just in case’,” said Thomas Knudsen, managing director for Asia of jewelry giant Pandora.

Next steps

If you want help evaluating projects, comparing returns, or building a UAE property strategy, contact David Moya Real Estate at +971 52 217 2034 or info@davidmoya.org.