Accelerating Dubai Industrial Expansion through Strategy

Rather than marking a cyclical rebound, 2026 is increasingly deemed a combination year, in which diversification-led development ends up being more deeply ingrained in the area's economic design, lowering dependence on hydrocarbons and increasing durability to external shocks. Forecasts from major institutions broadly converge on a stronger GCC development 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+

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks global development relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative 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 place the region 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 reasonably 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 total GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as federal governments expand financial investment in services, facilities, and innovation. 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, improving credit conditions, and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

The Strategic Benefits of Advanced Market Intelligence

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures focused on attracting foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.

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

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Macroeconomic conditions across the GCC remain broadly encouraging of growth. Inflation is expected to remain low, with the IMF forecasting typical inflation of 2 percent across the area in 2026. Steady prices are assisting preserve genuine household incomes and underpin consumer costs, which Oxford Economics anticipates to grow by approximately 3.5 percent over 20262027.