Industrial Excellence: a Key Driver for 2026 Success

Rather than marking a cyclical rebound, 2026 is progressively considered as a consolidation year, in which diversification-led growth ends up being more deeply ingrained in the region's economic model, decreasing reliance on hydrocarbons and increasing strength to external shocks. Projections from significant organizations broadly converge on a stronger GCC growth profile in 2026 than in 2025, supported by durable domestic need, continued non-oil expansion, and (to differing degrees) a firmer hydrocarbon contribution.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global growth easing 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would position 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions stay 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 continued to rise as governments expand investment in services, facilities, and technology. 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 rising investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How to Maintain a Competitive Edge in Dubai

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted at bring in foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.

Oxford Economics expects Brent crude rates to fall below USD 60 per barrel in early 2026, restricting the near-term contribution of oil extraction to GDP. Oil supply is anticipated to rise again in the 2nd half of the year, with a full relaxing of remaining production caps most likely by mid-2027.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Macroeconomic conditions across the GCC stay broadly encouraging of development. Inflation is anticipated to stay low, with the IMF forecasting average inflation of 2 percent throughout the area in 2026. Stable costs are assisting protect genuine household incomes and underpin customer spending, which Oxford Economics expects to grow by an average of 3.5 percent over 20262027.