Samer Choucair: ”Global Volatility Doesn”t Diminish Vision 2030”s Investment Appeal”
Investment entrepreneur Samer Choucair affirmed that global markets watching June 2026 US employment data and the new decisions it could trigger regarding US interest rates represents an important moment for investors around the world, but investors in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states possess strong investment opportunities resting on the strength of the Saudi economy and the continued implementation of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 targets.
Choucair's remarks came at a time when a clip circulating via the "Al Arabiya Business" TikTok channel topped economic discussions, shedding light on markets watching US jobs data amid continued dollar strength and rising inflation rates, displaying live indicators for major currencies, including the euro trading against the US dollar at 1.1401, and the British pound against the US dollar at 1.3208, alongside the question occupying investors: "Strong dollar and high inflation, will the Fed raise rates?"
He explained that this anticipation doesn't represent just following periodic economic data, but reflects a new phase of volatility that could affect global capital movement and investment trends in emerging markets, but Saudi Arabia continues offering an economic model capable of absorbing these shifts and turning them into growth opportunities.
Choucair said: "The current anticipation of US employment data and the monetary decisions that might follow shouldn't push the Gulf investor toward panic or withdrawal. On the contrary, these periods are often an opportunity to rearrange portfolios toward real assets and strategic projects in Saudi Arabia."
He added that the Saudi riyal's peg to the US dollar gives the local economy significant stability against exchange rate volatility, but noted at the same time that any new Federal Reserve decision to raise interest rates could reflect on global oil prices, and could also lead to rising financing costs for major projects, requiring a careful strategic reading of the economic landscape.
He affirmed that these external challenges simultaneously accelerate the pace of economic transformation within the Kingdom, saying that increasing global pressures strengthen the need to develop non-oil revenue and attract more foreign direct investment in priority sectors, aligning with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 targets.
Choucair added: "Vision 2030 is no longer just a slogan, it has become a tangible reality. Giga projects in NEOM, the Red Sea, Diriyah, and Qiddiya are attracting quality investment, and creating opportunities in tourism, entertainment, renewable energy, and technology sectors. These sectors are less sensitive to short-term interest rate volatility."
He noted that the Saudi economy continues cementing its position as one of the most attractive economies in the region, backed by economic reforms and government programs targeting diversifying income sources and strengthening private-sector participation.
He explained that 2026 economic projections point to continued Saudi economic growth at rates exceeding 4%, driven by rising non-oil revenue, increasing foreign investment, and the continued implementation of giga projects forming key pillars of the Kingdom's economic transformation.
*Where the Opportunities Lie*
In this context, Choucair called on investors to focus on a number of important investment pillars, led by strategic sectors encompassing tourism, entertainment, logistics services, mining, and fintech, as among the sectors benefiting most from economic transformation programs.
He noted the importance of capitalizing on local debt instruments, including government and corporate sukuk, given the attractive investment returns they offer with relatively low risk levels, in addition to the importance of geographic diversification within the Gulf region by combining investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain, helping reduce risk and strengthen investment portfolio stability.
Choucair said: "Investment intelligence in 2026 lies in not putting all your eggs in one basket, whether oil-based or dollar-based. The smart investor builds a multi-layered portfolio combining stability with long-term growth."
He pointed out that the Saudi capital market is seeing growing momentum with the continued listing of new companies on the Saudi capital market "Tadawul," alongside expanding IPO programs, opening the door for individual and institutional investors to benefit from available investment opportunities, in addition to the growing role of real estate investment trusts and exchange-traded funds, characterized by high liquidity and transparency levels.
Choucair stressed that following economic news alone isn't enough for making successful investment decisions, affirming that the investor needs a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between US monetary policy and its impact on various asset classes and markets, saying: "Following the news isn't enough, the investor needs a deep understanding of how US monetary policy affects each asset class individually. This is where the role of specialized strategic analysis comes in."
He concluded his remarks by affirming that investors should look beyond short-term volatility, and focus on the Kingdom's strong economic fundamentals, noting that Vision 2030's programs continue creating promising investment opportunities across various sectors, saying: "Global markets fluctuate, but Saudi fundamentals are strengthening. Whoever understands this equation deeply can turn challenges into genuine investment opportunities in 2026 and beyond."
He affirmed that following US employment data remains important for understanding global market trends, but successful investing depends on a comprehensive strategic reading that takes into account the strength of the Saudi economy and the continuation of major development projects, strengthening the chances of achieving sustainable returns over the long term.