Public confidence in the UAE’s economic outlook and institutional stability remains resilient despite ongoing regional geopolitical tensions, with 86% of residents expecting to remain in the country over the next 12 months, according to a new GCC-wide survey by Consulum and HarrisX.
The poll, which surveyed more than 3,800 nationals and residents across the Gulf – including 1,220 respondents in the UAE – was conducted following months of heightened uncertainty linked to the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran. The period has contributed to disruptions across trade routes, shipping activity and financial markets, yet sentiment indicators in the UAE remained exceptionally strong.
According to the findings, 92% of UAE respondents said they remain confident in the economy, while 91% believe the country is moving in the right direction. A further 69% expect conditions to improve over the coming year.
Original article: UAE public confidence high as 86% of residents plan to stay despite regional tensions – report by Arabian Business.
Key Insights:
Confidence in Government and Long-Term Agenda
The survey also highlighted sustained backing for the UAE’s long-term development strategy despite broader regional instability.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents said national programs should continue as planned, while 72% said such initiatives have become even more important under current conditions.
Confidence in public institutions also remained elevated. Around 93% of respondents said they trust the UAE government to protect the country from the consequences of regional conflict, while 91% expressed confidence in its ability to manage geopolitical crises.
Respondents broadly continued to view the UAE as a stable and secure environment, with most indicating that safety conditions had either already normalized or were expected to do so in the near term.
GCC Sentiment Remains Supportive
James Davies, CEO of Consulum, said the results reflected continued confidence across both the UAE and wider Gulf region despite recent volatility.
“Our polling shows that publics 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
While regional tensions have introduced a more cautious backdrop across parts of the Middle East, the survey concludes that the UAE continues to benefit from strong institutional trust, stable domestic conditions, and continued confidence in its economic direction.
