Key Steps for Industrial Excellence in Dubai

Instead of marking a cyclical rebound, 2026 is increasingly viewed as a combination year, in which diversification-led growth becomes more deeply embedded in the region's economic model, reducing dependence on hydrocarbons and increasing durability to external shocks. Forecasts from significant institutions broadly converge on a more powerful GCC growth profile in 2026 than in 2025, supported by resilient domestic need, continued non-oil growth, and (to differing degrees) a firmer hydrocarbon contribution.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift toward more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international development relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies just above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would place the area materially ahead of the world average and a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions remain 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 investment in services, facilities, and innovation. 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, improving credit conditions, and rising financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Predicting the Next GCC Corporate Landscape

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps aimed at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.

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

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Macroeconomic conditions throughout the GCC remain broadly helpful of development. Inflation is expected to remain low, with the IMF forecasting typical inflation of 2 percent across the region in 2026. Stable costs are assisting maintain real family earnings and underpin customer spending, which Oxford Economics expects to grow by an average of 3.5 percent over 20262027.