Operational Excellence: a Strategic Driver for Regional Growth

Instead of marking a cyclical rebound, 2026 is progressively considered as a debt consolidation year, in which diversification-led growth becomes more deeply ingrained in the region's economic design, decreasing dependence on hydrocarbons and increasing durability to external shocks. Projections from major institutions broadly converge on a stronger GCC development profile in 2026 than in 2025, supported by durable domestic demand, continued non-oil expansion, and (to varying degrees) a firmer hydrocarbon contribution.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more favorable total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just 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, reinforcing 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 show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of total 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 across the GCC is projected to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Maximising Corporate Efficiency through Strategic Market Research

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures aimed at drawing in foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the region's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a supportive function 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. Oil supply is forecast to rise again in the second half of the year, with a complete relaxing of remaining production caps likely by mid-2027.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Macroeconomic conditions throughout the GCC remain broadly encouraging of growth. Inflation is anticipated to remain low, with the IMF forecasting average inflation of 2 percent throughout the region in 2026. Stable costs are helping maintain real household incomes and underpin customer costs, which Oxford Economics anticipates to grow by an average of 3.5 percent over 20262027.