Gulf SWFs on track for major investments despite war

Gulf sovereign wealth funds are on track for one of their most active years of dealmaking ever, even as war disrupts businesses and economic growth. Gulf sovereign wealth funds are on track for one of their most active years of dealmaking ever, even as war disrupts businesses and economic growth. Regional funds are forecast to invest $136 billion by year-end, making 2026 their second-busiest on record, according to consultancy Global SWF. Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala leads with $26.2 billion invested so far this year. Nearly half of Gulf sovereign fund investment went to the US, showing that American assets remain attractive despite the debate about the future of Gulf states’ relationship with their main strategic ally. Gulf funds are major backers of the $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Kuwait’s and Qatar’s funds may also be called on to transfer money to their government budgets to help prop up state finances, hit by the decline in oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, Global SWF said. That won’t stop the funds from expanding rapidly in coming years, with Gulf funds set to control $8.8 trillion by 2030, up from $6.1 trillion.