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

Secure your spot today and take the first step toward turning your strategic vision into meaningful impact. Register now HERE.

A clear vision provides the foundation for growth, offering direction and purpose to an organization. Yet, many strategies fail not because the vision is weak, but because execution falls short. Turning big ideas into tangible outcomes requires more than ambition—it demands structure, alignment, and commitment across teams. The real measure of success lies in bridging the gap between what is envisioned and what is achieved.

In light of this, The KPI Institute is hosting the upcoming webinar, “Turning Strategic Vision into Action,” on September 23 at 11:00 AM Gulf Standard Time (GST). The session will run for 45 minutes of presentation, followed by a 15-minute question and answer (Q&A) to address participants’ specific questions. Anchored in insights from the upcoming edition of the State of Strategy Management Practice – MENA Region Report, which carries the same title, this webinar offers an opportunity to connect research with practice.

About the State of Strategy Management Practice Report

The State of Strategy Management Practice MENA Region Report offers an in-depth look at the latest trends, challenges, and emerging practices shaping the field of strategy management today. More than a data-driven study, it serves as a practical resource and catalyst for change, providing valuable insights that organizations can use to strengthen their strategic capabilities. For professionals, the report functions as a benchmarking tool that can help them evaluate current practices, identify gaps, and adopt more effective approaches to address real-world challenges. Follow The KPI Institute on LinkedIn to be the first to know when the report is released and to get your copy.

Why You Should Attend

This webinar is designed to equip professionals with the insights needed to make strategy execution a strength within their organizations. Participants will discover how to close the gap between strategy and operations, ensuring that high-level goals are effectively translated into action. The session will also explore practical methods to turn objectives into concrete roadmaps, align stakeholders to build stronger collaboration, and empower teams to take ownership of results. Moreover, it will provide solutions to common barriers that often stand in the way of successful execution.

Meet the Facilitators

The session will be led by Cristina Mihăiloaie and Teodora Gorski, who bring over 25 years of combined experience in strategy and performance management across multiple industries and regions.

Cristina Mihăiloaie is the Technical Director of Systaems, the consultancy division of The KPI Institute, with more than 13 years of expertise in strategy and performance management. Over the last decade, she has been actively engaged in research, training, and advisory work, guiding organizations in leveraging KPIs to accelerate growth and build stronger management systems. Advocating for impactful strategy planning and performance management, Cristina has supported organizations across North America, Europe, and the GCC in tailoring and applying best practices to their local contexts.

Teodora Gorski is a Strategy and Performance Management expert with more than 12 years of international experience spanning consulting, advisory, and executive education. In her role as Managing Director MENA at The KPI Institute, she oversees regional operations and supports organizations in enhancing their strategy and performance practices. She also leads Strategic Partnerships & Growth at the Global Performance Audit Unit, where she drives initiatives that foster performance maturity across government, corporate, and academic sectors.

When a government program works well, we barely notice. Mainly, it’s smooth roads, quick turnaround services, and policies that make sense. But when things go wrong, everyone feels it. So, what separates effective governance from the rest? Is it a smart policy? Strong leadership? The right data?

This month, we’re exploring what it really takes to measure and improve government performance. From key evaluation frameworks to real-world success stories, The KPI Institute’s (TKI) resources break down how public sector leaders can track progress, make informed decisions, and create lasting impact. 

The resources below are anchored on timeless principles and have been chosen for their adaptability to current societal demands. Whether you’re in government, policy research, or just passionate about how things run, there’s plenty here to spark new insights.

Performance Magazine Issue No. 30, 2024 – Government Edition: This edition showcases best practices in strategy planning and performance management within the government sector worldwide. It presents insights on how to achieve accountable allocation of resources while upholding transparency, efficiency, and public trust in all initiatives.

Articles: Explore practical tips for improving government performance in a collection of articles on the Performance Magazine website, written by experts and analysts.

• Is Transparent Governance Truly the Key to Better Public Sector Performance?
• Indonesia’s Bureaucratic Reform Initiatives: How to Be an Agile Government
• This is How Norway is Inspiring Trust in Government
• KPI of the Day – % Government Basic Services Available Online

Government Services Index 2024: This resource stands as a compilation of indicators developed to assess the performance of government service delivery, aiming to enhance both efficiency and overall service quality for citizens. This index encompasses five key dimensions, thoughtfully selected for their key roles as primary contributors to the public services: Future Readiness, Digitalization, Governance, Society Welfare, and Citizen Experience. Rooted in data derived from 30 specific indicators aligned with these dimensions, covering more than 122 countries, 5 world regions, and highlighting the top performers in each region and on each dimension.

The State / Federal Government KPI Dictionary: This dictionary helps professionals understand key performance indicators (KPIs) in the public sector, how they are defined, how to standardize KPI names for consistency, and how to document them for accurate data collection. Explore this collection to find the most relevant KPIs used in government to implement a strong performance measurement and management system.

Top 25 State Government KPIs – 2016 Extended Edition: Designed to improve KPI monitoring and reporting, this edition is a key resource for state government professionals. It also offers a fresh approach to creating the KPI documentation form.

National Development Indices Catalogue: Explore 57 KPIs tracked at the country level. See how your country is performing in areas like politics, economy, governance, social progress, technology, and the environment.

State of Strategy Management Practice Report 2024 – MENA Region: Discover strategic management and performance measurement trends in the MENA region within today’s changing business environment. The report also offers valuable insights, expert advice, and practical recommendations that governments can apply, focusing on best practices in planning, KPI use, project management, and organizational agility.

Harness these tools to help your organization excel and adapt. The future is yours to lead!

The KPI Institute is excited to invite you to an exclusive webinar titled “Navigating the Landscape of Strategy Planning and Execution in the Age of Transformation” on the 15th of October 2024 at 11:00 AM (Gulf Standard Time), live online via Zoom.

In this session, The KPI Institute will unveil the latest developments in strategy planning and execution, with a focus on organizations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This event will also reveal recent findings from the State of Strategy Management Practice Report 2024. The KPI Institute will dive into the most pressing issues surrounding business planning, performance management systems, and the implementation of strategic initiatives.

Meet the speakers

Cristina Mihăiloaie 

Strategy and Performance Management Expert 

Chief Operating Officer, The KPI Institute 

Mihăiloaie’s professional background centers on research, product development, and knowledge sharing within strategy and performance management. Over the past 12 years, she has played a key role in establishing best practices and standards for utilizing and maximizing key performance indicators (KPIs) in organizations disseminated through research publications, academic articles, and educational programs.

Passionate about effective strategy planning and performance measurement practices, Mihăiloaie has provided advisory services to organizations in the US, Europe, and the Middle East, and has trained executives across various functions and industries. Currently, she serves as the Chief Operating Officer of The KPI Institute’s Research Division, where she oversees and ensures the alignment of operations with strategy.

Bori Péntek 

Management Consultant, Systaems 

Associate Lecturer, Babes Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Péntek is a management consultant who specializes in organizational development and human resource management. She assists businesses in aligning their strategies, processes, and practices with their core values, prioritizing human and social well-being.

With a background in recruitment, human resources, and operations management across various sectors, including sustainable construction, research, and education, Péntek focuses on improving employee well-being, promoting inclusive cultures, and ensuring organizational resilience and social responsibility. She creates solutions to tackle systemic challenges and foster long-term success.

In her partnership with Babes Bolyai University, she teaches courses such as research methodology, intercultural communication, and self-awareness.

What’s in store for participants

Combining research expertise with practical experience, the guest speakers will provide valuable insights and guidance on key organizational dilemmas and explore innovative solutions in today’s complex business landscape. The webinar’s agenda focuses on Deliberate vs. Emergent Strategic Planning, BSC vs. OKRs, and Success vs. Failure in Strategy Execution. 

In addition to being the first to receive the latest State of Strategy Management Practice Report and gaining insights into current trends in strategy management that can impact organizational planning and execution, participants will engage with seasoned professionals who offer valuable experience to the discussion. They will also take part in lively discussions on contemporary business challenges which provides an opportunity to share perspectives and connect with peers. 

Whether you are a seasoned leader, an emerging expert, or new to the field, this is your chance to learn about how to stay ahead in the rapidly changing world of strategy management. Seats are limited so secure your spot now! To register, click HERE.

With two decades of experience in advancing strategy and performance management, The KPI Institute remains dedicated to providing comprehensive performance solutions through meticulous research, educational programs, and advisory services. A strong testament to this commitment was the launch of the State of Strategy Management Practice Report in 2022, marking an important milestone in The KPI Institute’s journey as a research institute.

The State of Strategy Management Practice Report is an annual publication that compiles a thorough analysis of current trends, challenges, and innovations in strategy management. It consists of three main sections: Strategy Planning, Strategy Measurement, and Strategy Execution. Each section includes segments such as general practices, strategy review, key performance indicators (KPI) deployment practices, strategy execution challenges, and project management practices. It also delivers guidance on best practices to refine strategy management and support organizations in adeptly handling emerging trends and disruptions.

The State of Strategy Management Practice Report aids organizations in adapting to a dynamic business environment. This report enables them to gain a comprehensive view of the field, recognize emerging trends and shifts, and refine their strategies for ongoing enhancement. To provide you with an overview, let’s explore a bit the findings from the previous edition of the State of Strategy Management Practice Report and the new features of the upcoming edition.

Insights from the previous report

Last year, The KPI Institute released three versions of the State of Strategy Management Practice Report: Global Report and Middle East Report in Arabic and English. In the State of Strategy Management Practice – 2023 Middle East Report, results revealed that most surveyed professionals view strategy formulation as systematic and organized, with 47% employing specialized methodologies. Conversely, 38% reported using no particular methodology, suggesting a more flexible approach. Additionally, 15% indicated that their process is informal, which is noteworthy. While such an approach can offer flexibility, it is essential to acknowledge the potential risks and challenges of lacking a defined framework.

Moreover, in the Strategy Measurement section, 22% of respondents indicated that their organizations do not have a formal performance management system (PMS). The lack of a PMS presents various challenges. It hinders strategy execution and restricts the organization’s capacity to adapt to changes and seize opportunities. This issue is further reflected in the Strategy Execution section, where 57% of professionals admitted being aware of instances where their organization’s strategy had failed.

What’s new in the 2024 edition?

Considering the concerns identified in the previous State of Strategy Management Practice Report, it is essential to recognize that strategy management practices must evolve to meet organizational needs and adapt to the external environment. To assess whether improvements have been made and if organizations in the Middle East have advanced their strategy management practices, The KPI Institute conducted another study this year. With an expanded focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the findings will be presented in the State of Strategy Management Practices – 2024 MENA Region Report. 

The report includes data from more than 90 organizations and insights from leaders of leading companies. In addition to the three main sections and areas of interest, this edition has been further refined with a new feature called “Voices from the Field.” Aside from The KPI Institute group of experts, a consultant from a management consulting company was invited to share insights in the recommendation section of the State of Strategy Management Practice – 2024 MENA Region Report.

To know more about the report and its new key features, sign up now for our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn where we post updates and unveil everything about the report up until the official launch on the 15th of October.