Vital Drivers Influencing GCC Economic Outlooks for 2026 thumbnail

Vital Drivers Influencing GCC Economic Outlooks for 2026

Published Aug 17, 26
2 min read


Sub-Saharan African countries account for around one-third of the total, followed by Latin America and the Middle East (the latter two together accounting for over 40% of the overall). Consisting of, there has been an (from 90.3 in 2000-04 to 92.6 and 92.3 in the five years pre- and post-pandemic ).

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+


and ranked greater than others; UAE is up more than 45 locations in 2024 compared to 2000 while Qatar climbed up 24; both Saudi Arabia and Oman increased 17 ranks throughout the period. The trapped or worse off nations are some parts of Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa where structural improvement has stalled.

reveals a substantial increase in typical EDI scores from 86.8 in 2000-04 to 92.6 in 2020-24, (up more than 10 points in the preliminary duration versus 2020-24). with UAE exceeding in the trade sub-index (supported by current bilateral trade agreements & non-oil exports push). vs its pre-pandemic reading (partly offered the rise in medium & high-tech production information).

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+


Its diversification metrics have stagnated, revealing the least enhancement between the initial (2000-04) and last (2020-24) recommendation periods., despite the headwinds of OPEC+ production cuts. A robust non-hydrocarbon expansion was supported by the GCC's robust domestic need (supported by a strong job pipeline and application) and strong services sector efficiency.

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Kuwait and Saudi Arabia clocked in a boost in non-hydrocarbon earnings, "primarily showing non-hydrocarbon tax base growths and revenue collection efficiency improvements", according to the IMF. In the present geopolitical environment characterized by magnifying, it remains in the very best interests of product reliant nations to diversify its export base, exports and trade partners.

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