Vital Factors Influencing Gulf Economic Outlooks for 2026

Sub-Saharan African countries represent around one-third of the total, followed by Latin America and the Middle East (the latter 2 together accounting for over 40% of the total). Consisting of, there has been an (from 90.3 in 2000-04 to 92.6 and 92.3 in the 5 years pre- and post-pandemic ).

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

and ranked higher than others; UAE is up more than 45 places in 2024 compared to 2000 while Qatar climbed up 24; both Saudi Arabia and Oman rose 17 ranks during the duration. The caught or worse off countries are some parts of Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa where structural improvement has stalled.

shows a significant boost in average EDI ratings from 86.8 in 2000-04 to 92.6 in 2020-24, (up more than 10 points in the preliminary period versus 2020-24). with UAE exceeding in the trade sub-index (supported by recent bilateral trade arrangements & non-oil exports push). vs its pre-pandemic reading (partly given the rise in medium & modern manufacturing information).

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

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

Comparing GCC Capital Incentives vs Emerging Peers

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia clocked in an increase in non-hydrocarbon revenue, "primarily showing non-hydrocarbon tax base growths and profits collection performance improvements", according to the IMF. In the existing geopolitical environment defined by intensifying, it remains in the very best interests of commodity reliant countries to diversify its export base, exports and trade partners.