Today's Edition
Mays Ibrahim (Abu Dhabi)
Public confidence in the UAE’s economy and governance remains strongly positive despite ongoing regional developments, according to a new GCC-wide poll.
The analysis, conducted by strategy and communications firm Consulum in partnership with analytics group HarrisX, drew on responses from over 3,800 nationals and residents across the GCC, including 1,220 in the UAE.
Ninety-two percent of UAE respondents expressed confidence in the national economy, while 91% said the country is “on the right track”.
About 93% of respondents said they trust the UAE Government to protect the country from the consequences of regional conflict, while 91% said they trust it to manage regional crises, the report added.
That confidence appears to translate into sustained commitment to the country, with 86% of respondents, including expatriates, saying they expect to remain in the UAE over the next year.
“Our polling shows that people across the UAE and wider GCC remain overwhelmingly confident in their governments, optimistic about the future, and supportive of long-term national agendas,” James Davies, Consulum’s CEO, said.
“This is reinforced by strong commitment from both nationals and expats, underlining that near-term disruption has not altered the long-term outlook.”
Nearly seven in 10 (69%) expect conditions to improve over the next year, according to poll results.
The findings also suggest continued backing for the country’s development agenda.
About two-thirds of respondents said national programmes should remain as planned, while most of the rest supported adapting rather than delaying them.
In total, 72% said such programmes are even more important given the current regional environment.
Across the GCC, respondents broadly acknowledged the potential economic impact of regional tensions, particularly on trade and energy markets.
However, the UAE was widely viewed as stable and secure, with most participants saying safety conditions have already normalised or will do so in the near term.
