Navigating the Upcoming Regional Economic Environment for Leaders

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, showing a shift toward more positive general conditions.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks worldwide growth relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies simply above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would place 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 threat conditions stay contained 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 rise as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is forecasted 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 infrastructure.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps intended at drawing in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.