Managing the 2026 GCC Economic Environment for Executives

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

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks international growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that comparison, 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently account for 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 technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is predicted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and rising investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures targeted at bring in foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.