Essential Steps for Operational Excellence in Dubai

Instead of marking a cyclical rebound, 2026 is significantly seen as a debt consolidation year, in which diversification-led development becomes more deeply embedded in the region's financial model, decreasing dependence on hydrocarbons and increasing strength to external shocks. Projections from significant institutions broadly assemble on a stronger GCC growth profile in 2026 than in 2025, supported by resistant domestic demand, continued non-oil expansion, and (to varying degrees) a firmer hydrocarbon contribution.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to rise 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) projects international growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing 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 a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as governments broaden investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is predicted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and rising financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Operational Excellence: a Strategic Pillar for 2026 Growth

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures aimed at bring in foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth 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, 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 complete loosening up of staying production caps likely by mid-2027.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Macroeconomic conditions across the GCC stay broadly helpful of growth. Inflation is anticipated to stay low, with the IMF forecasting typical inflation of 2 percent throughout the region in 2026. Stable costs are helping protect genuine family earnings and underpin customer costs, which Oxford Economics anticipates to grow by an average of 3.5 percent over 20262027.