A survey conducted in May between the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain showed that 90% of respondents consider their countries on the right path, and 89% expressed confidence in the future economic outlook.The result confirms a movement already observed in banking research and capital flows: global investors renewing confidence in the Gulf region.
Growth and priority sectors
Emirates business activity is expected to accelerate in the third quarter of 2026, backed by domestic consumption, investment and gradual recovery of foreign demand. The International Monetary Fund forecasts growth of 3.1% for Saudi Arabia in 2026. The two countries have launched initiatives that identify eight priority sectors for investment, including transport, health, oil and gas, and small and medium-sized enterprises.
The Weight of Sovereign Funds
The Gulf sovereign funds, led by Saudi Arabia and the Emirates, manage between $4 and $6 trillion. Last year, they directed large volumes to artificial intelligence infrastructure, including Stargate, a $500 billion project in partnership with OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank.
High level bilateral cooperation
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have expanded trade cooperation, with exemptions for Saudi companies investing in Abu Dhabi.
What does this mean for those who do business in the region?
For investors and foreign trade companies, the Gulf is consolidating itself as a long-term capital destination, not just a source of capital.The combination of high domestic confidence, projected growth above global average and sovereign funds active in strategic sectors makes the region a must-see point for those who structure international operations in the coming quarters.