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Instead of marking a cyclical rebound, 2026 is significantly considered as a combination year, in which diversification-led growth ends up being more deeply ingrained in the region's economic model, reducing reliance on hydrocarbons and increasing strength to external shocks. Forecasts from major organizations broadly converge on a more powerful GCC development profile in 2026 than in 2025, supported by durable domestic need, continued non-oil growth, and (to varying degrees) a firmer hydrocarbon contribution.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks global growth reducing 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would position the region materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as federal governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

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Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps targeted at attracting foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the area's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.

Oxford Economics anticipates Brent crude prices to fall listed below USD 60 per barrel in early 2026, limiting the near-term contribution of oil extraction to GDP. Nevertheless, oil supply is anticipated to increase again in the second half of the year, with a full unwinding of staying 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 stay low, with the IMF forecasting typical inflation of 2 percent across the area in 2026. Steady rates are helping protect genuine family incomes and underpin customer spending, which Oxford Economics expects to grow by an average of 3.5 percent over 20262027.