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Rather than marking a cyclical rebound, 2026 is progressively deemed a combination year, in which diversification-led development becomes more deeply embedded in the region's economic model, lowering reliance on hydrocarbons and increasing durability to external shocks. Projections from significant institutions broadly assemble on a stronger GCC growth profile in 2026 than in 2025, supported by durable domestic demand, continued non-oil expansion, and (to differing degrees) a firmer hydrocarbon contribution.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up 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 global development relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies just above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position the area materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as governments expand investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across 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 remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted at drawing in foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil incomes are expected to play a helpful role in 2026.

Oxford Economics anticipates Brent crude prices 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 second half of the year, with a full relaxing of remaining production caps likely by mid-2027.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Macroeconomic conditions across the GCC remain broadly encouraging of development. Inflation is anticipated to remain low, with the IMF forecasting average inflation of 2 percent throughout the area in 2026. Steady rates are assisting protect real home incomes and underpin consumer spending, which Oxford Economics expects to grow by approximately 3.5 percent over 20262027.