Managing the 2026 GCC Economic Environment for Executives

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

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide development reducing 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would place 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 regional risk conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as federal governments broaden investment in services, infrastructure, 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, improving credit conditions, and rising investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

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