Emerging Shifts in the Future GCC Market

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise 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 toward more positive overall conditions.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide development relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated 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 a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to increase as federal governments broaden investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. 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 rising financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures targeted at attracting foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the region's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.