GCC-based NRIs are shifting their exposure from property to Indian equities, driven by geopolitical uncertainty and India’s growth story.
A survey of 8,300 investors shows 73 per cent increasing equity exposure and 40 per cent cutting real estate.
Remittances are now more goal-based, with rising retirement planning, disciplined saving, and cautious but confident deployment of fresh capital.
GCC NRIs Pivot From Real Estate To Indian Equities As Primary Wealth Engine
The GCC-based NRIs are shifting from real estate to financial assets, with higher remittance to India for investing in Indian equity
Summary
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Amid the global conflict and geopolitical uncertainty, the investment pattern among non-resident Indians (NRIs) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is changing. According to the report, titled “Indian Equity at the Core, Eyes Everywhere,” by Equirus Wealth, a wealth management firm, on May 6, 2026, the main focus of Gulf-based Indian NRIs has shifted from physical assets to financial assets, and Indian equities have replaced real estate as the long-term source of wealth creation.
The report collected responses from 8,300 customers in the GCC, which includes the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain.
According to the report, 73 per cent of investors have increased their investments in Indian markets, and 40 per cent of respondents have reduced their property holdings. This indicates a shift from illiquid real estate to a more liquid financial portfolio.
Ankur Punj, managing director and business head, Equirus Wealth, says that this evolution indicates a financial connection of NRIs to India’s long-term economic growth. He notes a changing pattern in remittances as well.
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“Remittances are no longer driven by obligation — they are increasingly being deployed with clear investment intent and long-term planning,” he says.
According to the report, 22 per cent of remittances are currently for retirement planning, 27 per cent for investment, and 26 per cent for family support, which is a clear indication of the shift in investment pattern. Around 83 per cent of investors reported that they recognise geopolitical risks, and about 86 per cent of respondents reported stable or improved financial confidence despite global market volatility, indicating a positive outlook for the long term.
The report said that 35 per cent of investors are increasing their savings and 26 per cent are reducing their discretionary spending. At the same time, 75 per cent of investors are actively investing fresh capital to balance caution with confidence in Indian equities.
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Country-wise, the confidence level varies. Kuwait ranks the highest with a financial confidence score of 3.93 out of 5. UAE and Qatar follow it with a score close to 3.50. Saudi Arabia and Oman came out to be more reserved, whereas Bahrain scored the lowest confidence level with a score of just a 2.75.
Overall, the report’s findings show a more financially mature NRI investor base that looks toward Indian equities for long-term wealth creation. With more goal-focused investing, their portfolio is shifting to financial assets with the Indian market as a key destination.
FAQs
What is the primary purpose of GCC NRI remittances now?
The Equirus Wealth report in May 2026 suggests that around 42 per cent of GCC-based NRIs are willing to invest fresh capital in Indian equities, and over 73 per cent are increasing investment in equities and mutual funds.
What is the biggest perceived risk by the GCC-NRIs?
41 per cent of respondents see geopolitical instability as the biggest risk, followed by inflation (23 per cent), and global market volatility (13 per cent).
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Which asset classes are seeing the biggest exit and entry in allocation?
Around 40 per cent of respondents plan to cut their exposure in real estate and instead invest in the equity market, mutual funds, fixed deposits, debt, and gold.
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