Managing the 2026 Regional Economic Environment for Executives

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent usually in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more positive overall conditions.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks international development relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position the area materially ahead of the world average and slightly 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 contained and reform momentum holds.

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to increase as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, and innovation. 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 technology and AI-related infrastructure.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps aimed at attracting foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the area's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.