Press Releases

The GCC Board Directors Institute (GCC BDI), in partnership with Heidrick & Struggles, has released its 9th biennial Board Effectiveness Review, revealing that while 78% of directors report improved board performance, there are critical gaps in AI fluency, gender diversity, and oversight of geopolitical risk. The 2025 Review provides a compelling snapshot of boardroom evolution in the GCC, drawing on insights from 193 directors and executives, as well as 14 confidential interviews. It is anchored in the GCC BDI Framework for Board Effectiveness, which spans eight dimensions of governance, including board composition and director capabilities, as well as ethics, evaluation, and culture. The findings depict a region in transition: boards are becoming more strategic and resilient yet remain underprepared for disruptive forces such as AI and geopolitical volatility.

The Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha’at) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the GCC Board Directors Institute (GCC BDI), during the Bibaan 2025 Forum held in Riyadh under the theme “A Global Destination for Opportunities.

The GCC Board Directors Institute (GCC BDI), in partnership with The Financial Academy, has marked a breakthrough year in board development across the region - conferring Chartered Director status for the first time and certifying 148 professionals through its flagship programmes. The Financial Academy serves as the official Awarding Body for all GCC BDI certifications. This year’s achievements go beyond numbers. GCC BDI’s first Chartered Directors have now completed the full journey from Certificate to Chartered status. This end-to-end pathway equips leaders with the skills and insight to drive board effectiveness across the region. In Oman, GCC BDI delivered a bespoke in-house Director Development Programme for the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), making it the first organisation in the country to undertake this level of board training with the Institute.

The GCC Board Directors Institute (GCC BDI) is pleased to announce its strategic partnership with the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), marking a crucial step toward enhancing governance standards across the Gulf region. This collaboration underscores a unified commitment to excellence in governance and leadership, risk management and regulatory compliance, as well as board effectiveness.

The GCC Board Directors Institute (GCC BDI), the leading institute for governance and leadership, has launched its new chapter in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This strategic expansion, supported by an exclusive sponsorship from SEDCO Holding aims to elevate corporate governance standards and drive leadership in Saudi Arabia’s business community. The Jeddah chapter will host a series of initiatives, including several events and training programs tailored to the needs of senior executives, board members, and key decision-makers. Topics will include enhancing board fiduciary responsibilities, strengthening committee effectiveness, and advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) leadership, all aligned with global best practices.

The ninth edition of the GCC Board Chair Summit culminated at the Crowne Plaza Convention Center in Riyadh, uniting over 150 of the region’s top board chairs, influential leaders, and industry experts to address the critical challenges and trends shaping the future of the GCC’s business landscape.

Held under the theme ‘GCC Transforms: Driving Change,’ the summit delved into global shifts shaping the region’s economic trajectory, including corporate governance, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks. The event served as a vital platform for exchanging insights and innovative approaches to corporate governance in an era of rapid change.

The upcoming ninth edition of the GCC Board Chair Summit is set to convene over 100 influential leaders and board chairs from across the region on Tuesday, 22 October to engage in high-level discussions on critical issues impacting today’s business climate. Under the theme of ‘GCC Transforms: Driving Change,’ the GCC Board Directors Institute’s (GCC BDI) summit will explore the global shifts reshaping the region's economy, including new sector diversification, AI, Cybersecurity and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG).

The GCC Board Directors Institute (GCC BDI), the region’s leading authority on advancing board effectiveness and corporate governance, has announced the graduation of its latest cohort of 64 individuals who have completed its Certificate and Diploma in Board Directorship and Board Secretary Certification Programmes in partnership with the Financial Academy. The graduation ceremony, held at the Movenpick Hotel in Riyadh, honoured 56 Certified Board Directors, 4 Certified Board Secretaries, and 4 Directors who received diplomas. They will go on to champion excellence in corporate governance across the GCC.

The Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA) has forged a strategic partnership with the GCC Board of Directors Institute (GCC BDI) to undertake a comprehensive assessment of its Corporate Governance frameworks and Board of Directors’ operations, encompassing both the central MEIRA Board and the Saudi Chapter Board. The assessment will be undertaken by an independent GCC BDI External Consultant.

GCC Board Directors Institute in collaboration with The Financial Academy in Saudi Arabia, are proud to announce the award of certificates to 35 new graduates of its GCC BDI Certificate and Diploma in Board Directorship and Board Secretary Certification Programmes.