71% Mena respondents optimistic about economic performance in PRCA’s Q1 Confidence Index

Dubai, UAE – 19 February 2025: The world’s largest PR body, the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) has launched the results of its inaugural Q1 Confidence Index, marking the first wave of a survey designed to track industry sentiment and provide insights into the future of the public relations and communications sector.
The PRCA Confidence Index will be conducted quarterly featuring just two key questions – this quarter, respondents were asked to share their confidence in the future of their own organisations, as well as their thoughts on the broader economic outlook for 2025.

The findings reveal that 71% respondents in the region are most confident about economic performance in 2025.

Overall, the findings reveal a mixed yet optimistic outlook for the future:

Economic outlook for 2025:

MENA – 71% of respondents in the region are the most confident about economic performance in 2025.

The Americas – 80% of respondents expressed the least confidence in their region’s economic prospects.
32% expect a small decline (1-3%) in the economy
42% predict the economy will remain about the same (+1% to -1%)
3% forecast strong growth (3% or more)
23% are optimistic about growth (1-3%)

Confidence in business:
11% of respondents reported being not at all confident
9% were not very confident
18% were neither confident nor unconfident
22% were very confident
46% were quite confident

International highlights:
Europe – 89% of respondents expressed the highest confidence levels in general.
UK – Only 54% reported feeling confident, making it the least confident country.

The Confidence Index is part of PRCA’s ongoing efforts to provide valuable research to the industry, track trends, and support the PR community. Future waves of the survey will explore a variety of pressing issues, giving respondents the opportunity to share their perspectives on matters that directly impact the sector.

PRCA Interim CEO, Sarah Waddington CBE, said:

“The PRCA Confidence Index is an important tool for understanding our industry. Right now, many clearly feel uncertain about the coming months. Rest assured the PRCA will continue to equip members with the skills and tools they need to develop personally and commercially, as well as innovate and thrive in today’s dynamic marketplace.”

“These ongoing insights will be instrumental as we continue to track the sentiment and needs of our members, and we will use them to support our goal of representing the industry’s interests effectively to policymakers and stakeholders.”