Why global capital remains bullish on GCC: 82 percent of investors express confidence in region’s economy

The majority of global investors remain bullish on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies, with 82 percent expressing confidence in the region’s future economic outlook, a survey of 2,043 investors found. Conducted by strategy and communications firm Consulum in partnership with public opinion researcher HarrisX, the poll covered investors in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France and China and showed that 69 percent consider the Gulf a “great or good place” to invest today.

"The international investment community views the Gulf’s economic progress as a story of sustained momentum," said James Davies, Chief Executive Officer of Consulum. "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."

Survey highlights and regional breakdown

The survey revealed variation in confidence by country: 91 percent of Chinese investors were confident in the Gulf’s outlook, followed by 84 percent in both the United States and the United Kingdom, 80 percent in Germany and 71 percent in France. Looking ahead, 70 percent of all respondents expect the GCC’s global economic importance to increase over the next five years, with optimism especially strong among UK investors (78 percent) and US investors (74 percent).

• Sample size: 2,043 investors across five major economies.
• Current investment sentiment: 69 percent view the Gulf as a great or good place to invest.
• Five‑year outlook: 70 percent expect GCC global importance to rise.

Diplomacy, stability and investor priorities

The survey also asked investors about the region’s geopolitical role. Around 71 percent said they expect the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran to eventually conclude through a negotiated agreement. The same share—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 behind‑the‑scenes facilitation role.

"Global investors support a potential US‑Iran agreement that incorporates regional perspectives and ensures the security of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz," said Dritan Nesho, Chief Executive Officer of HarrisX. "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 sentiment aligns with external investors

Consulum and HarrisX conducted a parallel regional poll in May 2026 among citizens and residents of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar. That survey found strong domestic confidence: 90 percent said their country is moving in the "right direction" and 89 percent expressed confidence in their economic future. Confidence in national economies exceeded 90 percent across the individual GCC markets included in the poll. In Bahrain, nearly eight in ten respondents said the country is on the right track and 76 percent said the local economy is moving in the right direction.

"The parallel findings demonstrate that two distinct groups, international investors and Gulf residents, are reaching similar conclusions about the region’s outlook," said Ranulph Murray, Head of Consulum Intelligence. He added that the alignment between external sentiment and domestic confidence suggests trust in the Gulf’s economic trajectory has become increasingly structural.

Investors’ combined focus on reform, infrastructure and diplomatic engagement underlines why capital continues to flow to the Gulf despite geopolitical uncertainty: stability and long‑term structural progress remain the dominant criteria guiding investment decisions.