Key Trends in the 2026 GCC Economy

3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more favorable total conditions.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide growth alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to increase as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is projected to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and rising financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy measures focused on attracting foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a helpful role in 2026.