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Rather than marking a cyclical rebound, 2026 is progressively deemed a combination year, in which diversification-led development ends up being more deeply ingrained in the region's economic model, lowering dependence on hydrocarbons and increasing strength to external shocks. Projections from significant institutions broadly converge on a more powerful GCC development profile in 2026 than in 2025, supported by durable domestic need, continued non-oil expansion, and (to differing degrees) a firmer hydrocarbon contribution.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift toward more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks worldwide development easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would position the region 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

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Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures focused on attracting foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the region's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play a supportive function in 2026.

Oxford Economics expects Brent crude rates to fall below USD 60 per barrel in early 2026, limiting the near-term contribution of oil extraction to GDP. Oil supply is anticipated to increase once again in the 2nd half of the year, with a complete loosening up of remaining production caps likely by mid-2027.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Macroeconomic conditions across the GCC remain broadly supportive of growth. Inflation is anticipated to remain low, with the IMF forecasting average inflation of 2 percent across the area in 2026. Steady costs are assisting maintain real family earnings and underpin consumer costs, which Oxford Economics anticipates to grow by approximately 3.5 percent over 20262027.