Achieving Operational Excellence in the Middle East

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more positive total conditions.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global growth easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative 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 position the area 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as federal governments expand investment in services, facilities, and technology. 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 financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures focused on bring in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil incomes are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.