Will Market Research Define Dubai Corporate Growth?

Rather than marking a cyclical rebound, 2026 is increasingly viewed as a combination year, in which diversification-led development ends up being more deeply embedded in the region's financial model, decreasing reliance on hydrocarbons and increasing strength to external shocks. Forecasts from major organizations broadly converge on a stronger GCC development profile in 2026 than in 2025, supported by resistant domestic need, continued non-oil growth, and (to differing 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 forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide development alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would place the region materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions remain consisted of 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 continued to increase as governments expand investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is predicted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How to Scale GCC Operations in 2026

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps aimed at bring in foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.

Oxford Economics anticipates 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 rise once again in the second half of the year, with a complete relaxing of staying production caps likely by mid-2027.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Macroeconomic conditions across the GCC stay broadly supportive of growth. Inflation is anticipated to remain low, with the IMF forecasting average inflation of 2 percent throughout the area in 2026. Steady prices are helping protect genuine home incomes and underpin consumer spending, which Oxford Economics expects to grow by an average of 3.5 percent over 20262027.