Key Shifts in the Future Middle East Economy

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

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide development relieving 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 position the area 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 local risk conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as federal governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is predicted 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 financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted at attracting foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.