Operational Excellence: a Key Pillar for Regional Success

Rather than marking a cyclical rebound, 2026 is progressively considered as a consolidation year, in which diversification-led growth ends up being more deeply embedded in the region's economic design, minimizing reliance on hydrocarbons and increasing resilience to external shocks. Projections from major institutions broadly converge on a stronger 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+

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth predicted to rise 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) projects international development relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would place the area materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to rise as governments expand investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is projected to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, improving credit conditions, and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Industrial Excellence: a Strategic Driver for 2026 Success

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps focused on attracting foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.

Oxford Economics anticipates Brent crude rates to fall listed below USD 60 per barrel in early 2026, restricting the near-term contribution of oil extraction to GDP. Oil supply is forecast to increase again in the 2nd half of the year, with a complete unwinding of remaining production caps likely by mid-2027.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Macroeconomic conditions across the GCC remain broadly encouraging of growth. Inflation is expected to remain low, with the IMF forecasting typical inflation of 2 percent across the area in 2026. Steady prices are assisting protect real household incomes and underpin consumer costs, which Oxford Economics anticipates to grow by an average of 3.5 percent over 20262027.