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Rather than 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 model, reducing dependence on hydrocarbons and increasing durability to external shocks. Forecasts from major organizations broadly assemble on a more powerful GCC development profile in 2026 than in 2025, supported by durable domestic demand, continued non-oil growth, and (to differing degrees) a firmer hydrocarbon contribution.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international growth easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced 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 area 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

Information 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 rise as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is forecasted 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 infrastructure.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Emerging Future Trends Shaping the 2026 Regional Economy

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures intended at bring in foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the region'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.

Oxford Economics expects Brent crude costs to fall listed below USD 60 per barrel in early 2026, limiting the near-term contribution of oil extraction to GDP. Nevertheless, oil supply is forecast to rise once again in the 2nd half of the year, with a full loosening up of staying production caps most likely by mid-2027.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Macroeconomic conditions across the GCC remain broadly supportive of growth. Inflation is anticipated to stay low, with the IMF forecasting typical inflation of 2 percent across the area in 2026. Stable prices are assisting preserve real home incomes and underpin consumer spending, which Oxford Economics anticipates to grow by approximately 3.5 percent over 20262027.