Sovereign wealth funds have long been used to support economic diversification but they are now increasingly playing a wider strategic role. As Gulf governments invest in sectors linked to national security, where that money goes can also reveal how they are positioning themselves for future challenges. In the first half of 2026, regional sovereign wealth funds invested a record $53.9 billion across 108 deals. Nearly half of that capital went to the US, while China and the UK were the second and third-largest destinations.

Gulf sovereign funds invested $1.7 billion in India during the first half of 2026. This investment defied geopolitical tensions and fears of reduced overseas deal appetite. The…

Sovereign wealth funds have long been used to support economic diversification but they are now increasingly playing a wider strategic role. As Gulf governments invest in sectors…