Strategic Strategy for Middle East Excellence

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive total conditions.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide growth easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative 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 place the area materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is projected to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures focused on bring in foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.