How Industrial Expansion Boosts GCC Stability for 2026

Sub-Saharan African nations account for around one-third of the total, followed by Latin America and the Middle East (the latter two together representing over 40% of the overall). Including, 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+

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

shows a considerable boost in typical EDI scores 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 contracts & non-oil exports push). vs its pre-pandemic reading (partly given the surge in medium & modern manufacturing information).

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

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

Key Factors Shaping Gulf Economic Outlooks for 2026

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia clocked in an increase in non-hydrocarbon earnings, "mainly showing non-hydrocarbon tax base expansions and earnings collection efficiency enhancements", according to the IMF. In the current geopolitical environment identified by heightening, it remains in the very best interests of product dependent nations to diversify its export base, exports and trade partners.