How to Optimise Regional Operations in 2026

Rather than marking a cyclical rebound, 2026 is increasingly seen as a combination year, in which diversification-led growth becomes more deeply embedded in the region's financial model, lowering reliance on hydrocarbons and increasing resilience to external shocks. Projections from major institutions broadly assemble on a stronger GCC development profile in 2026 than in 2025, supported by durable domestic need, continued non-oil growth, and (to varying 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 forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated 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 put the region materially ahead of the world average and a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

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

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Driving Dubai Industrial Expansion through Innovation

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps targeted at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.

Oxford Economics expects Brent crude costs to fall below USD 60 per barrel in early 2026, limiting the near-term contribution of oil extraction to GDP. However, oil supply is anticipated to increase once again in the second half of the year, with a full loosening up of staying production caps likely by mid-2027.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Macroeconomic conditions throughout the GCC stay broadly supportive of growth. Inflation is anticipated to stay low, with the IMF forecasting typical inflation of 2 percent across the region in 2026. Steady costs are helping preserve genuine family earnings and underpin consumer costs, which Oxford Economics anticipates to grow by approximately 3.5 percent over 20262027.