Managing the Upcoming Regional Economic Landscape for Executives

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating 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 overall conditions.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks global development 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 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 local danger conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to increase as governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, 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 facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps aimed at attracting foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play an encouraging function in 2026.