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Instead of marking a cyclical rebound, 2026 is increasingly deemed a combination year, in which diversification-led growth ends up being more deeply ingrained in the region's economic design, lowering reliance on hydrocarbons and increasing durability to external shocks. Projections from significant organizations broadly converge on a stronger GCC growth profile in 2026 than in 2025, supported by resilient domestic demand, continued non-oil growth, and (to varying degrees) a firmer hydrocarbon contribution.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more favorable total conditions.

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

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for 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 throughout the GCC is projected to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, improving credit conditions, and rising investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Analysing 2026 Market Data for Strategic Growth

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

Oxford Economics anticipates Brent crude prices to fall below USD 60 per barrel in early 2026, limiting the near-term contribution of oil extraction to GDP. However, oil supply is forecast to rise again in the second half of the year, with a complete loosening up of staying production caps most likely by mid-2027.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Macroeconomic conditions throughout the GCC remain broadly encouraging of development. Inflation is anticipated to remain low, with the IMF forecasting average inflation of 2 percent throughout the region in 2026. Steady rates are assisting maintain real household earnings and underpin consumer spending, which Oxford Economics expects to grow by approximately 3.5 percent over 20262027.