Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
International investors remain optimistic about the economic prospects of the UAE and the wider Gulf region despite geopolitical tensions, according to a recent survey.
The research, conducted by strategic communications firm Consulum in partnership with polling company HarrisX, found that 82% of 2,043 investors across the US, UK, Germany, France, and China were confident in the Gulf’s economic outlook.
Confidence was highest among investors in China at 91%, followed by the US and UK at 84% each, Germany at 80% and France at 71%. Overall, 69% of respondents rated the Gulf as a good or great destination for investment and business.
James Davis, Chief Executive Officer of Consulum, said the findings suggested that international investors continued to view the Gulf as economically resilient despite the recent regional situation.
“Investors are not reacting to a geopolitical moment – they are making a long-term verdict on the strength and resilience of what the GCC has built,” he said.
The survey also found that 70% of respondents expect the global economic importance of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to increase over the next five years.
The expectation was strongest among UK investors, where 78% anticipated a rise in the region’s economic influence, followed by investors in the US at 74%, China at 70%, Germany at 65%, and France at 61%.
On regional security, 71% of investors said they expect tensions involving the US, Israel and Iran to end through a negotiated agreement.
The survey found that a similar share believed Gulf countries should play a role in any future negotiations, with 32% favouring direct participation at the negotiating table and 39% supporting a mediation role.
Dritan Nesho, Chief Executive Officer of HarrisX, said investors broadly supported a diplomatic solution that includes regional perspectives and safeguards maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz.
The findings follow a separate Consulum-HarrisX survey conducted in May among citizens and residents of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain, which also found strong confidence in the region’s economic outlook.
In the UAE, 92% of respondents said they were confident in the country’s economy, while 91% believed the country was moving in the right direction.
The survey also found that 93% trusted the government’s ability to protect the country from the effects of regional conflict, while 91% expressed confidence in its management of regional crises.
The latest investor survey was conducted online between June 12 and 16 among active investors in the five countries.
