Major Trends in the Future Middle East Economy

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more favorable general conditions.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks global growth reducing 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position the region materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently 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 innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is predicted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and rising investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures focused on attracting foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a supportive function in 2026.