A research study conducted by strategic advisory firm Kearney and PR firm Panterra assessed global executive sentiment regarding foreign direct investment in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies, according to Consultancy Middle East.
The survey polled more than 100 senior executives responsible for foreign direct investment decisions at international companies with annual revenues exceeding $500 million. Participating executives represented firms located across Asia, Europe, and North America.
According to the findings, 53% of respondent firms maintain an active or expanding investment project underway in the GCC region, which includes the UAE. An additional 36% of respondents stated they are actively exploring new investment opportunities in the region, while 10% reported having evaluated and dropped proposed projects.
The report noted that evolving regulatory reforms, updated tax frameworks, and institutional transparency are actively reshaping how Gulf economies attract multinational capital.
Sources
- Consultancy Middle East · 2026-11-11
