Strategic Planning for Regional Leadership

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output development predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more favorable overall conditions.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international development alleviating 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 growth would position the region 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

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

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures aimed at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the area's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play a supportive function in 2026.