Most international investors expect the Gulf’s role in the global economy to expand
The global investment landscape is currently navigating a complex maze of geopolitical shifts, yet one region continues to stand out as a beacon of sustained economic promise. Rather than retreating in the face of uncertainty, international capital is increasingly viewing the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations as foundational pillars of future global prosperity. This emerging consensus, anchored in long-term strategic vision rather than temporary market fluctuations, suggests that the region’s economic narrative is transitioning from a period of rapid development to one of structural maturity and influence.
Global investors favor Gulf
International investor confidence in the Gulf region remains resilient despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, with a large majority of global investors expecting continued economic growth and recognising GCC countries as increasingly important players in the global economy. These findings come from a major new survey conducted by strategy and communications firm Consulum in partnership with global public opinion research company HarrisX.
The survey gathered responses from 2,043 investors across five major economies: the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and China. The results highlight a global investment community that remains strongly committed to the Gulf’s economic outlook and increasingly sees GCC nations as important contributors to regional stability and diplomatic efforts. According to the survey, 82 percent of international investors expressed confidence in the future economic outlook of the Gulf region. Investor confidence was highest among respondents in China at 91 percent, followed by the United States and the United Kingdom at 84 percent each, Germany at 80 percent, and France at 71 percent. The survey also showed that 69 percent of investors consider the Gulf region a “great or good place” to invest or conduct business at present.
Investors see long-term growth
James Davies, Chief Executive Officer of Consulum, said the international investment community views the Gulf’s economic progress as a story of sustained momentum. He noted that investors are not responding only to current geopolitical developments but are making long-term assessments of the economic strength and resilience built across GCC economies. Looking ahead, 70 percent of surveyed investors expect the GCC’s global economic importance to increase over the next five years. Optimism was particularly strong among investors in the United Kingdom, where 78 percent expected the region’s global role to expand, followed by 74 percent in the United States. The findings reflect continued confidence in the Gulf’s economic diversification strategies, investment frameworks, infrastructure development, and growing role in global trade and capital flows. As these economies continue to pivot away from traditional dependencies, the global financial community is signaling its intent to stay invested in the transition, recognizing that the infrastructure being built today is designed to serve as the bedrock for tomorrow’s global trade architecture.
GCC diplomacy gains support
The survey also highlighted strong expectations among investors for diplomatic engagement in resolving regional tensions. Around 71 percent of global investors said they expect the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran to eventually conclude through a negotiated agreement. Investors also expressed support for GCC countries playing an active role in the diplomatic process. The survey found that 71 percent want Gulf states involved in efforts to resolve the conflict, with 32 percent supporting direct participation at negotiation tables and 39 percent favouring a role as behind-the-scenes facilitators.
Dritan Nesho, Chief Executive Officer of HarrisX, said global investors support a potential US-Iran agreement that incorporates regional perspectives and ensures the security of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy trade routes. This perspective underscores a critical truth: modern investors prioritize stability above all else, and they increasingly view the Gulf not just as a hub for energy, but as a vital mediator capable of preserving the flow of global commerce.
Domestic optimism rises
The international survey findings closely align with a separate poll conducted by Consulum and HarrisX in May 2026, which examined sentiment among citizens and residents across Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. That regional survey showed strong domestic confidence, with 90 percent of GCC respondents saying their country is moving in the “right direction” and 89 percent expressing confidence in their economic future. Confidence in national economies exceeded 90 percent across the individual GCC markets included in the survey, highlighting strong domestic support for the region’s economic transformation. The findings also showed that nearly eight in ten respondents in Bahrain believe the country is on the “right track,” while 76 percent said the local economy is moving in the right direction.
Ranulph Murray, Head of Consulum Intelligence, said the parallel findings demonstrate that two distinct groups, international investors and Gulf residents, are reaching similar conclusions about the region’s outlook. He noted that the alignment between external investment sentiment and domestic confidence reflects how trust in the Gulf’s economic trajectory has become increasingly structural and established. The survey results underline the continued strength of the GCC’s investment appeal, showing that global investors remain focused on the region’s long-term fundamentals despite short-term geopolitical challenges. When external capital and local sentiment march in lockstep, it validates the efficacy of recent reforms and signals to the broader world that the Gulf’s growth story is far from reaching its peak.
Source: Original Article
