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To reverse a decade of damaging total aspect efficiency, regional labour market policy is shifting from easy task development to managing active workforce shifts. Federal governments and employers are scaling short, modular training programs and micro-credentials in information analytics and digital operations to equip workers for emerging functions. Workplace-based learning and apprenticeship-style paths are ending up being more typical as companies integrate AI tools into everyday workflows.

With oil costs forecasted to average $55-60 per barrel in 2026, regional federal governments are heightening their concentrate on expenditure discipline and private capital mobilisation. Financial policy is rotating towards the monetisation of state-owned possessions in logistics, utilities, and desalination to redirect funds toward higher-impact investments. While borrowing by means of sukuk and sustainability-linked bonds is expected to increase to fund tactical deficits, the focus remains on enhancing non-oil profits frameworks.

PwC Middle East economic policy and method partner Jing Teow said: "Having already mobilised capital and policy at scale, GCC federal governments are now focused on shipment. In 2026, the top priority is reinforcing financial durability through more protected trade and financial investment relationships, reliable AI deployment, managed workforce shifts and disciplined financial policy in a more tough and fragmented international environment.".

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Saudi Arabia and UAE are poised to lead the Gulf region's financial expansion in 2026, supported by strong private-sector performance, resistant domestic demand and restored financial investment momentum, according to the most recent ICAEW Economic Insight Q4 2025 report, produced by Oxford Economics. The GCC is expected to exceed most worldwide regions peers next year, with regional GDP projection to grow by 4.4%. Across the GCC, non-energy activity is projected to expand by 4.1% in 2026, driven by strong labour markets, improving credit conditions and rising investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Oil earnings will be under pressure in the first half of 2026, production is expected to rise again in the second half of 2026, supporting the region's medium-term outlook, it mentioned. Saudi Arabia will stay a major factor to GCC momentum, with GDP forecast to grow 4.3% in 2026.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Reviewing New Market Research for Future Insights

Development will be supported by industrial growth and policy reforms, including relieved foreign ownership guidelines that intend to stimulate further investment. The financial deficit is forecasted to broaden to 5.6% of GDP next year amidst softer oil costs, while the recent five-year rent freeze in Riyadh aims to alleviate inflationary pressures, though it might constrain future housing supply.

Strong domestic fundamentalsThe UAE is also positioned for another strong year of efficiency, with GDP projection to rise 5.6% in 2026 as non-oil sectors continue to expand. Tourism, trade and monetary services stay essential development chauffeurs, supported by population development and sustained domestic need. Dubai's economy grew 4.4% in the first half of 2025, showing broad-based non-oil strength.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Oil production is expected to select up again in the 2nd half of 2026, matching ongoing investment in facilities, innovation and global trade partnerships. Hanadi Khalife, the Head of Middle East, ICAEW, said: "This quarter's outlook enhances how far the GCC has can be found in building diverse, resilient and globally competitive economies.

Scott Livermore, ICAEW Economic Consultant, and Chief Economic Expert and Handling Director, Oxford Economics Middle East, said: "Saudi Arabia and the UAE are entering 2026 with strong foundations. Saudi non-oil activity is acquiring pace, supported by robust need and increasing financial investment, even as fiscal pressures increase.""The UAE continues to gain from solid domestic principles, a sharp uplift in government spending and continual diversification efforts.

Emerging Future Shifts Shaping the 2026 Regional Market

What identifies 2026 from preceding years is not merely the velocity of technological modification, though that velocity is real, however rather an essential shift in how enterprises conceive of their GCCs' function. The is anticipated to grow to four hundred thirteen billion dollars by 2040, however this growth masks a more profound improvement.

Rather, they ask whether these centers drive innovation, own profit-and-loss obligation, and contribute to competitive distinction. In 2026, the most successful GCCs will behave like internal startups, nimble, cross-functional, insight-driven, and deeply aligned with international business results. This shift from execution to ownership represents maybe the single most significant strategic recalibration in the GCC design's development.

This week, we're assembling more than 3000 meetings between financiers and 119 Gulf-listed business with a combined value of $2.4 trillion at the HSBC GCC Exchanges Conference 2026, in London. We're combining investors, companies, exchanges, and policymakers to discuss what is changing in the area, and what comes next, including the growth and continuous development of the Gulf's capital markets, and the region's growing role in global networks of capital and trade.