Investment pioneer Samer Choucair explained that the scene of colorful dolls with strange features and sharp smiles, which seemed like a mix of innocence and eccentricity, was not merely a recreational phenomenon, but rather a reflection of a notable investment trend in 2026.
Choucair pointed out that “Labubu” topped international newspaper headlines, as prices for some rare or large-sized editions reached approximately $150,000 in auctions, as highlighted by an Economist magazine report.
Choucair stressed that these figures were exceptional and not the norm, explaining that the majority of dolls were traded within much lower price ranges, which he considered a classic characteristic of investment bubbles that inflate the exception and present it as the rule.
What is “Labubu”? And how did it turn into a speculative asset?
Samer Choucair mentioned that the Chinese company “Pop Mart” stood behind this phenomenon, adopting the “blind box” model, where the consumer buys a closed box without knowing its contents.
Choucair explained that the element of surprise, along with artificial scarcity and support from celebrities and platforms like TikTok, created a state of collective emotional demand.
Choucair added that the equation was clear: demand driven by emotion and curiosity met with limited supply, leading to rapid price inflation within the secondary market.
Choucair emphasized that this model was not new, but rather the same psychological driver that fueled the most famous bubbles throughout history.
Reproducing History.. From Tulips to 2026
First: Tulip Mania (1630s)
Samer Choucair pointed out that the Netherlands in the seventeenth century witnessed the first documented financial bubble, when tulip flowers turned into speculative assets, with some rare types sold at prices equivalent to the value of luxury homes in Amsterdam.
Choucair added that trading was not motivated by use, but by the expectation of rising prices, explaining that the bubble collapsed in 1637, as prices fell by more than 90% within weeks, confirming that the lesson was clear: when the “story” surpasses the “value,” the end begins.
Second: South Sea Bubble (1711–1720)
Samer Choucair explained that the “South Sea Company” attracted investors with promises of huge profits from trade with South America, despite weak economic fundamentals.
Choucair noted that prices rose exaggeratedly before collapsing, pointing out that the scientist Isaac Newton was among the losers, uttering his famous phrase about his inability to calculate the “madness of people.”
Choucair emphasized that the lesson here was that intelligence does not protect the investor from drifting behind the fear of missing out.
Third: Dot-com Bubble (1995–2000)
Samer Choucair pointed out that many companies were adding “.com” to their names, causing their market value to jump enormously despite the absence of profits.
Choucair added that the Nasdaq index later collapsed by about 78%, but in return, it produced giant companies like Amazon and Google, and he considered the basic lesson to be that a bubble does not mean the failure of the sector, but rather an exaggeration in its valuation.
Fourth: Cryptocurrencies and NFTs (2020–2022)
Samer Choucair mentioned that some digital assets such as NFTs were sold for millions of dollars, and that cryptocurrencies without clear uses achieved massive gains before undergoing a sharp correction.
Choucair explained that digital scarcity accompanied by media hype was a major reason for temporary irrational pricing.
Labubu Bubble 2026.. A Model of the Collectibles Bubble
Samer Choucair noted that what distinguishes “Labubu” is that it falls under “collectibles bubbles,” where the asset is physical and tangible, while pricing is driven by psychological and social factors.
Choucair pointed out that marketing through influencers and social media platforms, along with the lack of regulation in the secondary market, were among the most prominent factors of price inflation.
Choucair emphasized that the risks were represented in the possibilities of saturation, increased supply, and the spread of imitation, which could lead to a decline in prices.
Samer Choucair’s Analysis.. How do Gulf investors read this phenomenon?
Samer Choucair emphasized that the bubble was not a direct investment opportunity as much as it was an important analytical signal, explaining that the market reveals locations of emotional demand, but it does not necessarily reveal true sustainable value.
Choucair added that smart investment is not in buying the product itself, but in investing in the surrounding ecosystem, such as intellectual property, entertainment companies, distribution platforms, and the creative economy.
Choucair pointed out that this trend aligns with Vision 2030, where the creative economy represents a strategic sector supported by an attractive regulatory environment, but it requires building sustainable industries instead of chasing speculative trends.
Strategic Linking.. From Historical Bubbles to Vision 2030 Opportunities
Samer Choucair explained that all bubbles share basic elements: an attractive story, artificial scarcity, and media acceleration, ultimately ending in saturation and loss of confidence.
Choucair added that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries today possess an opportunity to turn these lessons into real investments in the sectors of entertainment, tourism, and the creative economy, supported by the advanced regulatory environment and the Public Investment Fund.
Practical Guidelines for Investors in Light of Hot Trends
Samer Choucair pointed out a set of principles that should be followed:
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The necessity of allocating a limited percentage not exceeding 5% of the portfolio for investment in hot trends.
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Focusing 95% on real assets linked to Vision 2030, such as technology, renewable energy, and entertainment.
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The importance of having a clear exit strategy based on monitoring liquidity and collective behavior.
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Relying on strategic analysis and data to avoid drifting behind the fear of missing out.
The Bubble is an Old Story in a New Garment
Samer Choucair concluded his analysis by emphasizing that “Labubu” was not a strange phenomenon, but a modern repetition of an old economic story, where humans tend to buy hope more than value.
Choucair pointed out that the difference between a successful investor and others lies in the ability to distinguish between a real opportunity and a temporary bubble, stressing that Saudi and Gulf investors, in light of Vision 2030, have the opportunity to build sustainable wealth based on a deep understanding of history and markets.