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Instead of marking a cyclical rebound, 2026 is significantly deemed a consolidation year, in which diversification-led growth becomes more deeply embedded in the region's financial design, minimizing reliance on hydrocarbons and increasing strength to external shocks. Forecasts from significant organizations broadly assemble on a more powerful GCC growth profile in 2026 than in 2025, supported by resistant domestic demand, continued non-oil expansion, and (to varying degrees) a firmer hydrocarbon contribution.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks worldwide growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position the region materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as federal governments expand investment in services, facilities, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is predicted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

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Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps focused on drawing in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.

Oxford Economics expects Brent crude costs to fall below USD 60 per barrel in early 2026, restricting the near-term contribution of oil extraction to GDP. Oil supply is forecast to increase once again in the second half of the year, with a full unwinding of remaining production caps most likely by mid-2027.

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Macroeconomic conditions across the GCC remain broadly helpful of development. Inflation is anticipated to remain low, with the IMF forecasting average inflation of 2 percent across the area in 2026. Stable costs are assisting maintain genuine household incomes and underpin consumer costs, which Oxford Economics expects to grow by an average of 3.5 percent over 20262027.