Maximising Corporate ROI through Strategic Business Planning

Rather than marking a cyclical rebound, 2026 is progressively considered as a consolidation year, in which diversification-led development becomes more deeply ingrained in the region's financial model, lowering reliance on hydrocarbons and increasing resilience to external shocks. Forecasts from significant organizations broadly assemble on a stronger GCC growth profile in 2026 than in 2025, supported by durable domestic demand, continued non-oil expansion, and (to varying degrees) a firmer hydrocarbon contribution.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international development relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would place the area materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as federal governments expand investment in services, infrastructure, 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 increasing investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Essential Steps for Operational Excellence in the GCC

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps targeted at attracting foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a supportive function in 2026.

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

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Macroeconomic conditions across the GCC remain broadly encouraging of development. Inflation is expected to remain low, with the IMF forecasting average inflation of 2 percent across the region in 2026. Steady rates are helping protect real household earnings and underpin consumer costs, which Oxford Economics anticipates to grow by approximately 3.5 percent over 20262027.