The Global Performance Audit Unit (GPA Unit), The KPI Institute’s strategy and performance audit division, is inviting organizations and practitioners to one of the year’s key gatherings in strategy and performance management. On November 17, senior leaders and industry experts will convene in Riyadh for the Performance Excellence Forum & Awards Gala 2025, a full-day program focused on advancing performance maturity and organizational excellence across sectors.

More than an event, the gala unites visionaries shaping Saudi Arabia’s future in performance, strategy, and transformation. Attendees will gain actionable insights, practical frameworks, and forward-looking perspectives to enhance capabilities and support the Kingdom’s long-term goals.

This year’s forum brings together leaders from government, private, and global organizations with expertise in strategy, transformation, performance management, and human capital. Participants will learn best practices in organizational excellence, digital transformation, and high-performance cultures from experts across aviation, investment, construction, HR, publishing, and technology—leaders driving Vision 2030 and global business standards.

Featured speakers

Below is the curated lineup of speakers leading this year’s forum:

• Badreddin Ibrahim Alharithy – Strategy & Transformation Director at Albawani Holding
• Led major strategy offices and enterprise project management offices (PMOs), delivering complex transformation programs aligned with Vision 2030.
• Title of the talk: Case Study: From Maturity Assessment to Organizational Impact. A Leap from Emergent to Advanced Practices (along with Cristina Mihăiloaie)

• Anas Alkeaid – Head of Strategic Planning, at Literature Publishing Translation Commission
• Guided strategic initiatives that advance Saudi Arabia’s cultural ecosystem and support national transformation goals.
• Title of the talk: Focus Over Volume: How Performance Maturity Redefines What Gets Measured in Performance Management Systems

• Abdulmohsen K. Alraimi – Excellence Programs and Quality Monitoring Director at ZATCA
• Drove major improvements in digital platforms and quality systems, securing top national excellence rankings.
• Title of the talk: From Local Fixes to Institutional Learning: Advancing Performance Improvement Maturity Across the Organization

• Abdulhadi Al Ghamdi – Performance Management Senior Manager at Riyadh Airports
• Led workforce planning and performance initiatives that strengthened organizational effectiveness across Riyadh Airports.
• Title of the talk: The Performance Management Journey at Riyadh Airports Company​: From engagement insights to execution excellence

• Ahmed Bin Shuail – Senior Director, Head of Strategy & Planning at Public Investment Fund (PIF)
• Spearheads PIF’s corporate strategy management and has contributed significantly to Vision 2030’s national transformation agenda.
• Title of the talk: Panel Discussion: How Strategy and Corporate Performance Leaders Use Maturity Assessments to Drive Business Impact (along with Abdullah Almofleh, Alyn Bailey, and Diogenis Paplomytis, moderated by Cristina Mihăiloaie)

• Zainab Hamidaddin – Executive Director – Engagement & HR Business Partners at Red Sea Global
• Architected high-impact human resource programs that enhanced culture, wellbeing, and engagement across major Saudi organizations.
• Title of the talk: Panel Discussion: Performance with Purpose – Aligning People, Culture and Strategy (along with Akram Felemban, Manal Kutbi, Fahad Al-Qadhib, and Yara AlSikhan, moderated by Teodora Gorski)

• Abdullah Almofleh – Vice President of Corporate Strategy at SAMI Advanced Electronics Company
• Over 16 years of leading strategic transformation initiatives that support Saudi Arabia’s industrial and national growth goals.
• Title of the talk: Panel Discussion: How Strategy and Corporate Performance Leaders Use Maturity Assessments to Drive Business Impact (along with Ahmed Bin Shuail, Alyn Balley, and Diogenis Papiomytis, moderated by Cristina Mihăiloaie

• Mohammed Sulieman Al’Mohd – Head of EPMO at Red Sea Global
• Established one of Saudi Arabia’s most advanced PMO practices, enabling large-scale strategy execution and governance excellence.
• Title of the talk: When Leadership Listens: Building a Culture that Drives Performance Through Trust (along with Talal AlMalki)

• Talal AlMalki – Senior Director of Corporate Planning & Performance, Red Sea Global
• Designed modern business frameworks that drive efficiency, innovation, and long-term performance alignment.
• Title of the talk: When Leadership Listens: Building a Culture that Drives Performance Through Trust (along with Mohammed Sulieman Al’Mohd)

• Dr. Majid Alsubaie – Director at The KPI Institute for Training
• Expert in key performance indicators (KPIs) and digital transformation with extensive research contributions in strategy, agile project delivery, and performance.

• Akram Felemban – Vice President, Strategy and Transition Sector at Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA)
• Led national performance and governance frameworks that drive accountability and Vision 2030 alignment across the public sector.
• Title of the talk: Panel Discussion: Performance with Purpose – Aligning People, Culture and Strategy (along with Zainab Hamidaddin, Manal Kutbi, Fahad Al-Qadhib, and Yara AlSikhan, moderated by Teodora Gorski)

• Alyn Bailey – Group Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer at Albawani Holding
• 20-year global career leading multi-sector transformation programs, organizational restructures, and enterprise strategy.
• Title of the talk: Panel Discussion: How Strategy and Corporate Performance Leaders Use Maturity Assessments to Drive Business Impact (along with Ahmed Din Shuail, Abdullah Almoleh, and Diogenis Papiomytis, moderated by Cristina Mihăiloaie)

• Tor Inge Vasshus – Founder & CEO at Corporater
• Built one of the world’s leading Business Management Platforms, supporting Fortune 500 companies worldwide.
• Title of the talk: How Connected Enterprises Use GPRC to Advance Performance Excellence – Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Transformation

• Dr. Aurel Brudan – Founder & CEO, The KPI Institute
• Global authority on performance systems with 300+ publications and advisory experience across major global institutions.

• Manal Kutbi – Organization Development & Performance Management Director at Soudah Development
• Developed comprehensive human capital and performance systems that strengthen organizational agility and alignment
• Title of the talk: Panel Discussion: Performance with Purpose – Aligning People, Culture and Strategy (along with Zainab Hamidaddin, Akram Felemban, Fahad Al-Qadhib, and Yara AlSikhan, moderated by Teodora Gorski)

• Fahad Alqadhib – Human Capital General Director at MODON
• Integrates advanced HR technologies to drive talent development, change management, and organizational excellence.

• Diogenis Papiomytis – General Manager of Strategy & Business Plan at Matarat Holding
• Oversees strategy and performance across 27 Saudi airports, backed by two decades of global aviation expertise.
• Title of the talk: Panel Discussion: How Strategy and Corporate Performance Leaders Use Maturity Assessments to Drive Business Impact (along with Ahmed Bin Shuail, Abdullah Almofleh, and Alyn Bailey, moderated by Cristina Mihăiloaie)

• Yara AlSikhan – Associate Director, Talent & Performance Management at Tourism Development Fund
• Specializes in talent management and career development within high-growth national sectors.
• Title of the talk: Panel Discussion: Performance with Purpose – Aligning People, Culture and Strategy  (along with Zainab Hamidaddin, Akram Felemban, Manal Kutbi, and Fahad Al-Qadhib, moderated by Teodora Gorski)

• Adrian Brudan – Co-Founder & General Manager at GPA Unit
• Global leader in performance maturity assessments, shaping TKI’s key certified programs and research initiatives.
• Title of the talk: Conference Chair Welcome Message and GPAU 3.0 Official Launch

• Doina Popovici – Head of Maturity Assessment Services at GPA Unit
• Leads global maturity assessments that strengthen strategic alignment, operational excellence, and capability development.
• Title of the talk: How to Get Recognized for Performance Excellence

• Teodora Gorski – Head of Strategic Partnerships & Growth at GPA Unit
• Delivered strategy and performance advisory across 15+ countries and authored 25+ publications in sustainability, leadership, and strategy.
• Moderator for Panel Discussion: Performance with Purpose – Aligning People, Culture and Strategy

• Cristina Mihăiloaie – Head of Innovation & Product Design at GPA Unit
• Founding member of The KPI Institute with a decade of research and advisory expertise shaping global performance frameworks.
• Title of the talk: Case Study: From Maturity Assessment to Organizational Impact. A Leap from Emergent to Advanced Practices (along with Badreddin Ibrahim Alharithy)
• Moderator for Panel Discussion: How Strategy and Corporate Performance Leaders Use Maturity Assessments to Drive Business Impact

For a full schedule of sessions, speaker lineups, and detailed timings, explore the Performance Excellence Forum & Awards Gala 2025 agenda here.

The Global Performance Audit Unit (GPA Unit) is inviting organizations and practitioners to join one of the year’s most significant gatherings in strategy and performance management. 

On November 17, senior leaders and industry experts will come together in Riyadh for the Performance Excellence Forum & Awards Gala 2025, a full-day program dedicated to advancing performance maturity across sectors.

“Every transformation starts with a conversation,” said Adrian Brudan, General Manager of the GPA Unit, who noted that the forum serves as a critical platform for dialogue and collaboration, bringing together perspectives on strategy, performance, culture, and governance to support the development of future-ready organizations.

The event is more than a conference; it is a movement focused on strengthening how organizations plan, measure, improve, and lead. Throughout the forum, participants will examine how long-term vision can be translated into actionable strategy, what mature performance measurement entails, and how improvement, culture, and leadership contribute to overall organizational maturity. 

Discussions will also highlight the importance of people and capability-building in driving sustainable transformation, along with pathways for achieving recognition through certifications, accreditations, and performance excellence awards. As Adrian Brudan affirms, “Performance excellence is enabled by people who listen, collaborate, and take accountability.”

The Forum includes a dynamic mix of the following:

• Expert talks on strategy, performance measurement, organizational culture, and leadership

• Case studies showcasing real transformation journeys

• Panel discussions with leaders shaping performance across major Saudi organizations

• Networking opportunities throughout the day

• The official launch of GPA Unit 3.0, marking a new phase in maturity assessment

• The prestigious Performance Excellence Awards Gala, celebrating outstanding achievements across six major capability areas

To explore the full timetable, speakers, and session topics, you can download the complete agenda and event brochure here: https://gpaunit.org/performance-excellence-forum-and-awards-gala/agenda 

Seats are limited for both the physical venue and the virtual broadcast. Join the GPA Unit at the Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residence and be part of a global dialogue shaping the future of strategy and performance management. Secure your spot now! Register here: https://gpaunit.org/performance-excellence-forum-and-awards-gala/registration 

Many strategy teams start the year with strong goals but struggle to connect plans with real execution. Market shifts, budget limits, and competing priorities often make it difficult to stay focused on what matters most.

This roundup features eight expert-selected resources from The KPI Institute to support clear and practical planning for 2026. Each one offers tested methods, data-driven tools, and examples that help leaders design strategies that work. Their continued use across industries shows how practical and adaptable their guidance remains.

1. KPIs for Strategic Planning: This infographic highlights the key metrics that connect day-to-day performance with long-term strategic goals. It shows how well-chosen KPIs support planning, execution, and review within the balanced scorecard framework. Built from The KPI Institute’s research experience, it offers clear definitions and calculation methods to help teams measure progress and maintain strategic alignment.
2. KPIs for Initiatives Management: Effective strategy depends on how well initiatives move from concept to completion. This resource highlights the KPIs that track progress, efficiency, and impact across that journey. It helps teams connect project performance with strategic outcomes, ensuring that execution supports organizational priorities and measurable results.
3. Top 25 Strategy and Performance Management KPIs – 2025 Edition: Reflecting current trends in performance measurement, this edition brings together the most widely used KPIs in strategy and performance management. It introduces updated documentation templates, new articles on effective KPI implementation, and fresh research on how organizations apply KPIs in practice. The collection helps teams refine measurement systems, align metrics with strategic objectives, and strengthen decision-making across all levels.
4. 2025 Global Trends Brief: This report analyzes the major forces that defined 2025 and outlines how their effects will influence strategy and performance management in 2026. Drawing on insights from more than 100 global research and consultancy sources, it connects data and context to help decision-makers prepare for the next planning cycle. Covering areas such as AI innovation, trade dynamics, and ESG priorities, the brief clarifies which trends will continue shaping business direction and which require a shift in strategy for the year ahead.
5. State of Strategy Management Practice Report 2025 – MENA Region: Whether you are refining your planning framework or improving execution systems in 2026, this report offers a grounded view of how organizations can strengthen strategy management in practice. Based on research from organizations across the Middle East and North Africa, it examines trends in planning, measurement, and execution supported by regional expertise. The findings provide benchmarks and insights that help build stronger and more adaptive strategy systems for the year ahead.
6. A New Chapter for Performance at Mobily: This case study offers practical lessons for organizations preparing 2026 strategies and seeking stronger performance management foundations. It illustrates how a structured KPI framework, supported by clear documentation and capability-building programs, can connect strategic objectives with measurable results. The example shows how improving measurement practices can turn planning goals into consistent execution outcomes.
7. A Case Study on Performance Management System Maturity Assessment: This case study offers insights for organizations that plan to strengthen their strategy and performance frameworks in 2026. It outlines how a comprehensive maturity assessment, using the Integrated Maturity Model Framework, evaluates five key capabilities through evidence-based and perception-based analysis. The findings demonstrate how understanding system maturity helps identify gaps, prioritize improvements, and support more effective strategy execution.
8. Performance Magazine Issue No. 29, 2024 – Strategy Management Edition: The themes and analyses featured in this issue remain highly relevant to today’s strategy and performance challenges. Readers will find clear perspectives on how organizations plan, develop, and execute strategy in complex environments, with discussions on stakeholder engagement, change leadership, and data-driven decision-making. Insights from experienced practitioners and curated multimedia content make it a strong reference for anyone involved in strategic management.

These resources bring structure and clarity to strategic work. Explore and download them to strengthen your 2026 planning process and drive better results!

The KPI Institute, a global leader in performance management, strategy, and business excellence, proudly brings two of its most sought-after certification programs directly to professionals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) through its newly established local hub.

Building on its continued presence in the Kingdom, The KPI Institute is now delivering training programs from its dedicated facilities, reinforcing the company’s commitment to offering enhanced access to its globally recognized learning experiences.

The opening of the KSA hub for open-house training also strengthens The KPI Institute’s mission to empower organizations across the Kingdom in driving transformational agendas, fully aligned with the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030.

Inaugural open-house programs

The two flagship certifications that will be offered this December to mark the beginning of this chapter are:

• Certified Strategy and Business Planning Professional (C-SBP): This program aims to strengthen long-term organizational performance by equipping participants with practical strategic planning tools and frameworks. It focuses on the key elements of effective strategy development and execution, guiding professionals in crafting actionable strategic plans and communicating them clearly across the organization.
• Certified KPI Professional and Practitioner (C-KPIPP): This dual-level certification develops both theoretical and practical expertise in performance measurement. The Professional component focuses on mastering key performance indicator (KPI) selection, documentation, and use, while the Practitioner component builds hands-on skills through applied exercises in scorecard and dashboard design. Participants complete a full KPI implementation case study—from planning to data visualization—preparing them to manage performance systems effectively.

In support of greater learning convenience, The KPI Institute has introduced a more flexible delivery format for both programs. The C-SBP course, traditionally conducted over three full days, will now be delivered across five shorter evening sessions (December 7–11, 2025 | 17:00–21:00). Similarly, the C-KPIPP program has been streamlined from eight full days to five (December 14–18, 2025 | 09:00 – 18:00).

These adjustments offer participants smooth accessibility without compromising the depth, interactivity, or quality of content that define The KPI Institute’s globally recognized certifications.

With the introduction of open-house course delivery, The KPI Institute underscores its dedication to building local capacity, fostering innovation, and empowering professionals to achieve excellence in performance and strategy implementation.

For more information about The KPI Institute’s inaugural open-house training programs in Saudi Arabia or to register, please contact Alex Muntean, Head of Sales – EMEA, via email at alex.muntean@kpiinstitute.com or by phone at +40 747 060 997. 

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About The KPI Institute

The KPI Institute is a leading global research institute specializing in business performance. It operates research programs in 12 practice domains, ranging from strategy and KPIs to employee performance, as well as customer service and innovation performance.

Insights are disseminated through various publications, subscription services, and a knowledge platform accessible to registered members. Support in deploying these insights in practice is offered globally through training and advisory services.

The KPI Institute developed the first KPI Management Framework and operates smartKPIs.com, an online portal resulting from a dedicated research program focused on documenting and cataloging KPI usage in practice. It hosts the largest collection of documented KPI examples.

In 2025, the global telecommunications industry is expected to surpass USD 1.7 trillion in market value, driven by rapid advancements in 5G, growing data consumption, and the continued convergence of digital technologies. The sector is not only a backbone of global connectivity but also a key enabler of innovation across industries. 

As telecom providers expand infrastructure and launch new services to meet rising demand, the importance of data-driven decision-making and performance optimization has never been greater. In this context, performance measurement has become a strategic priority. As service delivery becomes more complex and customer expectations evolve, key performance indicators (KPIs) offer critical insights for improving network efficiency, enhancing customer experience, managing operational costs, and driving sustainable growth.

To support telecom professionals in navigating these changes, The KPI Institute has released the Top 25 Telecommunications KPIs – 2025 Edition. This report features the most impactful KPIs, selected based on global usage and their relevance to real-world industry practices. 

To provide a glimpse into the report, here are five of the top KPIs featured in the 2025 edition:

•  % Call setup success rate (CSSR) – Measures the percentage of call attempts that successfully connect to the dialed number, out of the total call attempts. It is used to assess the accessibility of the telecommunication network.
•  $ Telecom subscriber acquisition cost –  Measures the average cost of acquiring a new subscriber. It helps optimize acquisition spending by ensuring each new subscriber provides long-term value.
• % Answer seizure ratio (ASR) – Measures the percentage of calls successfully answered out of the total call attempts. It is used to evaluate the effectiveness of call handling. 
• $ Telecom subscriber retention cost (SRC) – Measures the costs associated with retaining a customer, including customer service, retention marketing, and related expenses. It aims to track net retention spending per subscriber.
•  % Data network availability – Measures the percentage of time the data network is operational and accessible. It is used to monitor the overall availability of the data network.

This report is part of the Top 25 KPIs – 2025 series developed by The KPI Institute. The series provides a comprehensive framework for effective performance measurement and addresses key challenges in KPI implementation. Each KPI is documented with practical definitions, calculation formulas, analysis guidelines, and recommended usage scenarios to support integration into performance management systems.

Explore the full report to strengthen your organization’s performance measurement practices. The Top 25 Telecommunications KPIs – 2025 Edition is now available on the TKI Marketplace, with printed copies available for order on Amazon. Get your copy today!

High-performing organizations are like luxury cars. They are powerful and advanced, but they need regular care. The same goes for people, even the most productive employees and top-performing teams. “Care” does not only come in the form of better tools, training, or rewards; one essential yet often overlooked part in this aspect is wellbeing. 

By ignoring wellbeing, burnout becomes inevitable. In fact, research shows that employees are 56% more engaged in their work, 34% more likely to stay with their employer, and 37% less likely to experience burnout.

The Global Performance Audit (GPA) Unit—The KPI Institute’s strategy and performance audit division—will explore how well-being impacts organizational success in a live webinar titled “Wellbeing as Strategy: Embedding Happiness into Performance Culture,” on October 28, 2025, Tuesday. The session is designed to offer practical insights on how organizations can use wellbeing not only as an initiative or a benefit but as a strategic foundation for sustainable, long-term performance. The session runs from 5:00 – 6:00 PM (KSA Time) and will be facilitated by Bori Péntek, Head of Content Development and Insights at the GPA Unit. 

Péntek is a seasoned management consultant specializing in organizational development and human resource management. She works with businesses to align strategies, processes, and values with a strong emphasis on human and social wellbeing.

What’s in it for you

If you are trying to foster high performance without compromising employee wellbeing, the webinar offers the strategic blueprint you need. It will guide you through how mature organizations embed wellbeing as a key performance driver by integrating strategic metrics into performance dashboards and key performance indicators (KPIs). You’ll also discover why emotional labor is a valid, measurable form of contribution and learn how to adapt team rituals and workflows to reduce chronic strain. 

Additionally, you will learn how to apply institutional listening practices (e.g., pulse surveys and stay interviews), how to uncover hidden stress points, and how to establish governance structures that embed well-being into leadership accountability. Expect practical frameworks and evidence-based strategies to help shift well-being from a supplementary aspect to a core performance pillar in your organization.

Whether you are a senior leader, human resource professional, middle manager, or team member, this session offers practical insights for anyone committed to building healthier, high-performing workplaces. Sign up for the webinar now! Find out more information HERE.

Speed, stability, and effectiveness are more than industry buzzwords—they define how organizations compete in a rapidly changing landscape. As industries race to launch products faster, retain talent amid shifting work dynamics, and convert leads into loyal customers, three key performance indicators (KPIs) stand out as mission-critical: # Time to Market, # Employee Tenure, and % Conversion Rate.

Recent data from a Gartner survey reveals that 45% of product launches are delayed by at least one month, with these delays making companies far more likely to miss their internal targets. At the same time, median employee tenure has dropped to 3.9 years as of January 2024—the lowest since 2002—underscoring the growing difficulty of maintaining workforce stability. Meanwhile, average landing page conversion rates reached 6.6% in Q4 2024, offering a benchmark for organizations striving to turn interest into action. Together, these indicators tell a compelling story: sustainable success depends not only on moving quickly but also on keeping talent engaged and transforming opportunities into measurable results.

In this article, we spotlight three key indicators from the third quarter of 2025—exploring how organizations perform in terms of innovation speed through # Time to market, workforce stability through # Employee tenure, and marketing effectiveness through % Conversion rate.

KPI of July: # Time to market – This indicator tracks the duration between a product’s initial concept and its launch, serving as a measure of how efficiently an organization drives innovation from idea to execution.

This indicator is crucial for organizations aiming to stay competitive in today’s fast-moving landscape. While it may seem straightforward, its measurement is influenced by various factors. To ensure accurate assessment and meaningful benchmarking, download the free digital poster from the TKI Marketplace.

KPI of August: # Employee tenure – This measures the average length of time employees remain with their organization, providing insight and revealing trends into overall workforce stability and retention over time.By segmenting data by demographics or role duration, managers can make more informed decisions on promotions, rotations, and tenure-related benefits—supporting fair and strategic workforce planning. Explore this indicator further by downloading the digital poster from the TKI Marketplace.

KPI of September: % Conversion rate – This reflects the percentage of individuals who take a desired action—such as making a purchase or signing up—out of the total exposed audience, offering a clear view of how effective an organization’s marketing strategies are in driving engagement and results.

How well does your organization turn interest into action? Benchmark your % Conversion Rate against industry standards and discover ways to measure it more effectively. Download the digital poster from the TKI Marketplace to learn more.

These digital posters are part of the KPI of the Month series by The KPI Institute. It is a free infographic series designed to provide practical insights into the application of key performance indicators. Each edition focuses on one specific KPI, offering clear explanations of terminology, addressing common challenges in its use, and outlining essential details such as its definition, calculation, Balanced Scorecard relevance, data profile, typical targets, and actionable recommendations. Explore the other featured KPIs from the past quarters, visit the TKI Marketplace today!

Similar to how a rowing team synchronizes its strokes to move swiftly across the water, organizations must align their strategy, execution, and performance management practices to stay on course. The 2025 State of Strategy Management Report captures this dynamic, offering an in-depth view of how strategy and performance management practices are unfolding across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regions.

This year, the majority of participants came from Saudi Arabia (91%), followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt (3% each), with smaller representation from Jordan, Qatar, and other MENA countries. Public and social services formed the largest industry group (36%), followed by professional services (21%) and industrial sectors (15%). Respondents were almost evenly split between public (50%) and private (43%) institutions, with not-for-profit organizations making up 7% of the respondent pool. This balanced representation ensures that the findings can be generalized and reflect both government priorities and private-sector dynamics.

What’s new in the report

This fourth edition of the State of Strategy Management Practice Report uses a more refined approach than in previous editions. More than just documenting the current state of strategic practice, the report also seeks to drive meaningful improvement. As Daniela Vuta, Chief Operating Officer at The KPI Institute, explains, “Our vision is to create a collaborative resource that equips the leaders and practitioners on the front lines of business excellence with the insights necessary to turn strategic intent into operational reality.”

Vuta emphasized that the report’s impact is twofold: first, to deliver a data-driven perspective that pinpoints the planning-execution gap, replacing assumptions with clarity on challenges such as weak cross-functional coordination.

Unlike earlier editions that relied on a single, comprehensive questionnaire requiring all participants to answer every topic, the 2025 study employed subject-specific surveys: strategy planning, strategy measurement, and strategy execution. This shift enabled deeper insights, reduced respondent fatigue, and encouraged broader participation.

Another key enhancement was the release of an Arabic version of the survey. To ensure both accuracy and cultural relevance, a rigorous translation protocol was followed, which included stages of professional translation, back-translation, and evaluation by bilingual experts familiar with regional business terminology.

Bridging evidence and experience

Through the State of Strategy Management – 2025 MENA Report, The KPI Institute aims to inspire organizations to break free from strategic inertia by adopting proven best practices and turning research data into a solid foundation for informed decision-making and agile improvement initiatives.

Beyond quantitative findings, this year’s report integrated semi-structured interviews with strategy and performance management professionals across various industries in the MENA region. Each interview, lasting between 30 and 45 minutes, offered participants the opportunity to share practical experiences, challenges, and success stories. These qualitative insights enrich the survey findings and provide a holistic view by adding real-world perspectives and contextual examples.

According to Vuta, “The Voices from the Field section complements the quantitative data, providing practical context and real-world examples that enrich the analysis. This approach, combined with a reduced margin of error (between 5% and 6%), ensures the report offers a superior standard of precision for strategy practices across the MENA region.” 

The 2025 edition also introduces several new features designed to guide readers through the material. These include a one-page roadmap outlining the report’s structure, a high-level overview of the most significant findings, and a concluding section that consolidates insights and highlights the evolving direction of strategy management practices in the MENA region. Beyond presenting data, the report places strong emphasis on practical application. Each section contains recommendations from strategy and performance management experts and offers actionable steps organizations can take to strengthen their strategy management efforts.

By combining data-driven results with expert commentary and firsthand accounts, the State of Strategy Management Practice – 2025 MENA Region Report delivers a comprehensive view of current trends in the field. It equips leaders with evidence-based findings and actionable guidance to close gaps, overcome challenges, and drive smarter decisions. To access detailed results and practical recommendations for advancing your strategic journey, download the full report via the TKI Marketplace.

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From The KPI Institute

This report is more than a collection of data; it is a strategic resource that redefines excellence. While the focus is on the MENA region, the challenges identified—the execution gap, the need for alignment, and the difficulty in shifting from instinct to data-driven decisions—are universal. What MENA organizations are learning and implementing in their active effort to reinvent themselves serves as a powerful observation window and a set of applicable lessons on a global scale. 

We urge you to use this study not only to benchmark your performance but also to challenge your own assumptions. Our role at The KPI Institute is to empower the world to achieve performance excellence, and this report is the tool that will help you navigate strategic complexity, turning your vision into lasting impact and measurable results. True performance excellence requires a holistic, agile, and well-executed strategy; this report shows the way.

Daniela Vuta

Chief Operating Officer

According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Survey, 86% of employers expect artificial intelligence (AI) and information processing technologies to significantly impact their business by 2030. However, realizing this potential faces a major challenge: the shortage of skills needed to support its integration. Nearly half of global executives identify this as the top barrier to adoption, followed by lack of leadership vision and high costs. In response, 77% of employers plan to upskill or reskill their workforce by 2030, while many also aim to hire AI-proficient talent and reorient business models. Yet, alongside opportunity, there is disruption: 41% of organizations expect to reduce staff as AI capabilities evolve. 

Amid the accelerating shift toward AI-driven operations, the Functional Areas Enablement Institute (FAEI)—a research-driven entity within The KPI Institute ecosystem dedicated to enhancing operational efficiency across key functional areas—has developed the Certified AI Enablement Professional course in partnership with The KPI Institute. This course is designed to meet the increasing demand for professionals skilled at applying AI technologies, especially natural language processing (NLP). It empowers them to effectively engage with AI systems, leverage foundation models, and implement AI strategies aligned with organizational goals. By fostering AI literacy and cultural readiness, the course aims to drive sustainable growth in AI-enabled enterprises. 

The Certified AI Enablement Professional course stands apart from other AI training programs by leveraging FAEI’s proprietary AI Enablement Framework, which offers a systematic approach that guides organizations from early-stage readiness to full integration across the business. The framework covers critical components such as the strategy roadmap, governance, performance metrics and analytics, maintenance mechanisms, and capacity building. At its core, this course supports the alignment of technology with goals, resources, and talent. This approach allows businesses to optimize AI applications, navigate potential challenges, and deliver greater value, all with the goal of driving cost savings through higher efficiency and productivity. 

Offered by maentae, a premier provider of transformative learning experiences, the Certified AI Enablement Professional course arms participants with practical knowledge in areas such as NLP, prompt engineering, and AI deployment, complemented by access to handbooks, templates, and implementation toolkits. The course’s modular structure spans 10 agendas, from fundamentals to advanced practices, and is delivered through a flexible three-stage learning process: pre-course preparation, in-person or online training, and post-course application. For more information, visit these links: Live- Online: Certified AI Enablement Professional and Face-to-Face: Certified AI Enablement Professional.

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Editor’s Note: This article was first published in the News section of Performance Magazine Issue No. 33, 2025 – The AI Edition. To explore more AI-focused insights, download the free digital copy of the magazine via the TKI Marketplace. A print edition is also available on Amazon, subject to standard printing and shipping fees.

As seasons turn, Performance Magazine has also evolved with the years—every issue a new page in the constantly evolving world of strategy and performance management. This September, as the golden hues of autumn symbolize reflection and renewal, Performance Magazine celebrates a decade of its print edition: ten years of transforming digital insights from www.performancemagazine.org into enduring pages of knowledge, growth, and progress.

When Performance Magazine – Print Edition first debuted in autumn 2015, a season often associated with change and maturity, it carried a simple yet powerful mission to bring thought leadership, industry trends, and best practices in strategy and performance management into the hands of readers in a timeless form. 

The first edition

The journey of Performance Magazine’s print edition began by featuring Dr. Aurel Brudan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The KPI Institute, signaling both leadership and legacy. The story, “A Lifetime Dedicated to Performance,” gave readers an intimate look into his vision and the philosophy that laid the foundation for The KPI Institute’s global influence.

That first issue—a 62-page collection—was a milestone that captured the spirit of performance as both science and art. It introduced what would become the magazine’s signature sections, such as interviews with thought leaders, industry-focused key performance indicator (KPI) collections, best practice case studies, practical guides on performance frameworks, and globally sourced insights through Around the World and Ask Our Experts. 

As the years passed, Performance Magazine moved through its own seasons of growth. The early spring years were marked by enthusiasm and focus on core topics like KPI selection, Balanced Scorecard design, and performance culture. By summer, the magazine had matured. Its design became more refined, its voice more confident by expanding its scope to cover innovation, digital transformation, leadership, and data-driven decision-making.

The start of a new season

The transformation began with the Performance Magazine Issue No. 23, 2022 – The Travel Issue, which examined performance through the lens of movement, innovation, and cross-boundary collaboration. The cover story, “Silo Transformation: Breaking Down Barriers in Palm Beach County,” featured Dr. Keith Clinkscale, Strategic Planning and Performance Management Director, who shared how one of Florida’s top travel destinations is transforming the way performance results are measured. In his interview, Dr. Clinkscale discussed how Palm Beach County overcame operational silos, fostered collaboration across departments, and embedded data-driven decision-making in public service delivery.

Following the success of The Travel Issue, the magazine continued its theme-based direction with “The Public Sector Issue” in 2023, which was anchored in The KPI Institute’s Government Services Index (GSI) 2022 report. The edition translated the report’s findings into actionable insights, exploring how high-performing governments leverage strategy execution, digitalization, and citizen engagement to deliver value. It featured analyses of best practices from leading nations, expert commentaries, and case studies that revealed how data-driven governance can improve both institutional performance and public trust.

Completing the year’s series, the Sustainability, Data Analytics, and Government editions reflected the evolving priorities of modern organizations. The 25th edition, “The Sustainability Edition,” featured Eelco van der Enden, CEO of the Global Reporting Initiative, and discussed how organizations embed sustainability into strategy and measure ESG-driven impact. The 26th edition, “The Data Analytics Edition,” spotlighted Madhur Mayank Sharma of SAP Asia PTE LTD, offering insights on creating data-driven cultures and harnessing AI for smarter decisions. Finally, “The Public Sector Issue,” featuring Michael Jacobson of King County, U.S., with perspectives on digital inequality, workforce challenges, and the future of government performance.

The harvest of fresh insights and innovations

In 2024, Performance Magazine marked a new milestone with the release of the Business Excellence Edition, developed in collaboration with the Global Performance Audit (GPA) Unit. This special issue focused on strengthening organizational performance and advancing performance management systems through maturity assessments, one of the GPA Unit’s signature frameworks. The cover story, “Closing the Strategy-Execution Gap: A Fundamental Step for Business Excellence,” by Cristina Mihăiloaie, emphasized the need to align processes, principles, and people to overcome challenges in strategy execution—an essential step toward long-term success.

A major highlight of this edition was the introduction of a new section, “At the Core,” designed to explore the fundamental concepts of strategy and performance management. It featured key articles such as “The Five Levels of Organizational Maturity From a Performance Management Perspective” and “How to Conduct a Strategy and Performance Management System Maturity Assessment,” offering readers practical insights and tools for enhancing organizational maturity. 

This year, Performance Magazine continues to explore the evolving landscape of strategy and performance with two standout releases:  the Employee Performance Edition (Issue No. 32) and the AI Edition (Issue No. 33).

The Employee Performance Edition examines how a clearer understanding of organizational culture can drive alignment, engagement, and sustained success. By turning cultural insights into practical actions, it shows how performance can be embedded in the way people work, interact, and grow.

The spotlight, however, is on the AI Edition, featuring Cassie Kozyrkov—Google’s first-ever Chief Decision Scientist—on the cover. A leading voice in applied artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and decision intelligence, Kozyrkov brings a unique perspective on how leaders can make smarter, faster, and more ethical decisions in an AI-driven world. The issue explores key themes through articles like “The Decision Paradox: How AI is Reshaping Decision-Making,” “From Prototype to Practice: Moving AI Innovations into Real-World Business Impact,” and “Ethical AI & Governance: Gaining a Competitive Edge Through Responsible AI Use.”

Later this year, Performance Magazine will release two more editions, which are focused on sustainability and government. Stay updated by following The KPI Institute on LinkedIn. You can explore and download free digital copies of previous Performance Magazine issues from the TKI Marketplace, while print editions are available for purchase on Amazon, with prices varying depending on the edition and region.