Will Strategic Research Define Dubai Industrial Success?

Instead of marking a cyclical rebound, 2026 is increasingly deemed a consolidation year, in which diversification-led development ends up being more deeply ingrained in the region's economic model, lowering dependence on hydrocarbons and increasing strength to external shocks. Forecasts from significant institutions broadly converge on a stronger GCC development profile in 2026 than in 2025, supported by durable domestic need, continued non-oil growth, and (to varying degrees) a firmer hydrocarbon contribution.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating 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, reflecting a shift towards more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global development reducing 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put the region materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to rise as governments broaden investment in services, facilities, and technology. 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, improving credit conditions, and rising investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Will Market Research Drive Middle East Corporate Success?

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps aimed at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the area's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a helpful role in 2026.

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

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Macroeconomic conditions throughout the GCC remain broadly supportive of development. Inflation is anticipated to remain low, with the IMF forecasting typical inflation of 2 percent throughout the region in 2026. Steady prices are assisting maintain real household earnings and underpin customer spending, which Oxford Economics expects to grow by an average of 3.5 percent over 20262027.