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Organization news and financial news, analysis, opinion and data covering the 6 Gulf Corporation Council members Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Economic growth throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is set to speed up in 2026, with the region predicted to outperform its 2025 performance regardless of muted oil incomes and ongoing international uncertainties. According to a brand-new Oxford Economics research briefing, GCC GDP development is anticipated to increase to 4.4 per cent in 2026, up from 4 per cent in 2025, showing a resistant nonenergy sector, strong customer characteristics, and gradually improving oil output.

The newest forecasts suggest that Gulf economies are now wellpositioned to regain momentum, buoyed by reinforcing domestic demand and a broadly consistent global backdrop. The report highlights GCC customers as a major chauffeur of the area's economic efficiency heading into next year. Low inflation, robust labour markets, and growing real non reusable incomes are anticipated to fuel a surge in consumer spending throughout the Gulf.

Credit development is likewise anticipated to remain elevated as access to monetary services widens. With GCC central banks anticipated to follow awaited United States Federal Reserve rate cuts due to the region's dollar pegs, borrowing costs are most likely to decline, offering families and services further incentive to invest and invest. While the nonoil sector continues to anchor the area's durability, the GCC's hydrocarbon outlook provides a combined photo.

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This might weigh on firsthalf growth, especially for economies more based on oil extraction. Oxford Economics forecasts a rebound later on in 2026, with Opec+ members expected to resume raising production as stocks tighten and global need enhances. Qatar, on the other hand, stands apart as a regional outperformer, with substantial expansions in gas production and exports anticipated to lift its overall financial performance.

Saudi Arabia's 2026 budget anticipates a 6 percent cut in capital expense as the kingdom intends to narrow its financial deficit by two portion points. However, the report keeps in mind that these cuts may not materialise fully if countercyclical costs procedures are activated to support development. By contrast, more diversified economies such as the UAE and Qatar are anticipated to continue advancing their development agendas.

Despite shortterm dangers tied to oil rates and international need, the GCC's 2026 economic outlook is specified by strength in fundamentals: resilient customers, robust nonenergy sectors, enhancing oil characteristics, and strategic financial planning. With these factors lining up, the region is preparing for among its most balanced durations of growth recently anchored by a clear upward trajectory in GDP growth.

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RIYADH: Gulf Cooperation Council local economies are expected to stay resistant in 2026, driven by strong domestic need and a broadly steady international economy, according to an analysis. In its most current report, Oxford Economics highlighted that the real gdp of the GCC area is expected to broaden by 4.4 percent in 2026, up from the predicted 4 percent this year.

We expect GCC growth will rise to 4.4 percent in 2026, from 4 percent this year."In November, the GCC Statistical Center stated that economic growth in the area is set to speed up to 4.3 percent by 2027, driven by broadening non-oil sectors.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Non-oil activities accounted for 73.2 percent of total GDP, up from 70.6 percent at the end of 2024, highlighting the area's continued progress towards diversity. According to Oxford Economics, GCC consumers will be standout performers in 2026 and are anticipated to exceed their worldwide peers.

In December, the IMF further said that heading inflation is anticipated to stay below 2 percent in Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar, close to 2 percent in the Kingdom and the UAE, and a little above 2 percent in Kuwait in 20252026. According to Oxford Economics, credit development is expected to stay raised in the GCC area throughout 2026, as access to monetary services is anticipated to grow and loaning is predicted to be supported by further cuts in interest rates."Owing to their currency pegs to the US dollar, GCC reserve banks are anticipated to follow the US Federal Reserve by relieving financial policy further, which in turn will reduce debt servicing costs and boost disposable income and need," stated the report.