Predicting the Next GCC Corporate Environment

Rather than marking a cyclical rebound, 2026 is significantly viewed as a combination year, in which diversification-led growth ends up being more deeply ingrained in the region's economic model, decreasing dependence on hydrocarbons and increasing resilience to external shocks. Projections from major institutions broadly converge on a more powerful GCC development profile in 2026 than in 2025, supported by resilient domestic need, continued non-oil expansion, and (to varying degrees) a firmer hydrocarbon contribution.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating 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, reflecting a shift towards more favorable total 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 simply above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would put the area materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to rise as governments broaden 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, improving credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Optimising Operational ROI through Advanced Market Research

Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps targeted at bring in foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.

Oxford Economics expects Brent crude prices 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 rise once again in the 2nd half of the year, with a full loosening up of staying production caps most likely by mid-2027.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Macroeconomic conditions throughout the GCC stay broadly supportive of growth. Inflation is expected to stay low, with the IMF forecasting average inflation of 2 percent throughout the area in 2026. Steady costs are assisting maintain real household earnings and underpin consumer spending, which Oxford Economics anticipates to grow by approximately 3.5 percent over 20262027.