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Instead of marking a cyclical rebound, 2026 is significantly considered as a debt consolidation year, in which diversification-led growth becomes more deeply embedded in the region's economic model, decreasing dependence on hydrocarbons and increasing strength to external shocks. Forecasts from major institutions broadly assemble on a more powerful GCC development profile in 2026 than in 2025, supported by resilient domestic demand, continued non-oil expansion, and (to varying degrees) a firmer hydrocarbon contribution.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks global development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies simply above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth 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 risk conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

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

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

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Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps aimed at drawing in foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.

Oxford Economics expects Brent crude rates to fall below USD 60 per barrel in early 2026, restricting 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 full relaxing of remaining production caps most likely by mid-2027.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

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