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Rather than marking a cyclical rebound, 2026 is increasingly considered as a consolidation year, in which diversification-led growth becomes more deeply embedded in the area's financial model, reducing dependence on hydrocarbons and increasing durability to external shocks. Forecasts from significant organizations broadly assemble on a stronger GCC growth 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+

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth predicted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift toward more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international growth relieving 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 position the region materially ahead of the world average and a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local 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 increase as governments expand investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is predicted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, improving credit conditions, and increasing investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

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Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps targeted at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.

Oxford Economics expects Brent crude rates to fall listed below USD 60 per barrel in early 2026, limiting the near-term contribution of oil extraction to GDP. Oil supply is anticipated to increase once again in the second half of the year, with a full loosening up of staying production caps likely by mid-2027.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Macroeconomic conditions across the GCC remain broadly helpful of growth. Inflation is expected to remain low, with the IMF forecasting average inflation of 2 percent across the area in 2026. Steady rates are helping protect real home incomes and underpin consumer spending, which Oxford Economics expects to grow by approximately 3.5 percent over 20262027.