How to Scale Regional Strategy in 2026

Instead of marking a cyclical rebound, 2026 is progressively deemed a consolidation year, in which diversification-led growth ends up being more deeply ingrained in the area's financial design, reducing reliance on hydrocarbons and increasing resilience to external shocks. Forecasts from significant institutions broadly assemble on a stronger GCC development profile in 2026 than in 2025, supported by durable 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 projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put 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 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 continued to rise as federal governments broaden investment in services, infrastructure, 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, improving credit conditions, and increasing investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Accelerating Dubai Industrial Growth through Innovation

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures intended at bring in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the region's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil profits are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.

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

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Macroeconomic conditions throughout the GCC remain broadly supportive of development. Inflation is expected to stay low, with the IMF forecasting average inflation of 2 percent across the area in 2026. Steady costs are assisting maintain real household incomes and underpin customer spending, which Oxford Economics anticipates to grow by approximately 3.5 percent over 20262027.