Source: Analysis from the World Bank’s June 2025 report and my own market insights.
The mid-point of the decade is proving to be a complex one for investors. The World Bank’s recent June 2025 report projects GCC economic growth to rebound to 3.2% in 2025 and 4.5% in 2026, driven by an expected rollback of oil production cuts and continued non-oil sector expansion. This provides a clear, bullish signal for regional investment.
My investment outlook for 2025-2026 is based on a three-pronged approach:
- Capitalize on Regional Resilience: The GCC is a global outlier of stability and growth. I am bullish on sectors that align with national diversification agendas, such as renewable energy, logistics, and digital infrastructure.
- Embrace Diversification with a Purpose: While international markets offer opportunities, a significant portion of our portfolio will remain focused on GCC-based assets that are insulated from global volatility.
- Strategic Allocation to Non-Traditional Assets: The rise of tokenized assets and digital-native investment platforms presents new avenues for growth and risk diversification. These are not just speculative ventures but are becoming a key part of the modern institutional portfolio.
The old investment playbook is no longer sufficient. In a world of increasing uncertainty, the most successful investors will be those who combine a deep understanding of regional fundamentals with a forward-looking strategy that embraces new technologies and new asset classes.