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Rather than marking a cyclical rebound, 2026 is significantly deemed a consolidation year, in which diversification-led development ends up being more deeply ingrained in the area's financial design, decreasing reliance on hydrocarbons and increasing resilience to external shocks. Forecasts from major organizations broadly converge on a stronger GCC development profile in 2026 than in 2025, supported by resilient domestic need, 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 development projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more favorable total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide growth easing 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 put 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 regional risk conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as governments broaden investment in services, facilities, 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, improving credit conditions, and rising investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

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Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps focused on bring in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.

Oxford Economics anticipates 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 rise once again in the second half of the year, with a complete unwinding of staying production caps likely by mid-2027.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Macroeconomic conditions across the GCC remain broadly encouraging of development. Inflation is expected to remain low, with the IMF forecasting average inflation of 2 percent across the region in 2026. Stable prices are helping protect real family incomes and underpin customer costs, which Oxford Economics anticipates to grow by approximately 3.5 percent over 20262027.