Refining Investment Pipelines for 2026 GCC Outlook

Sub-Saharan African countries account for around one-third of the total, followed by Latin America and the Middle East (the latter 2 together representing over 40% of the total). Including, there has actually 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 locations in 2024 compared to 2000 while Qatar climbed 24; both Saudi Arabia and Oman increased 17 ranks during the period. The caught or worse off countries are some parts of Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa where structural improvement has actually stalled.

shows a substantial 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 outshining in the trade sub-index (supported by recent bilateral trade arrangements & non-oil exports push). vs its pre-pandemic reading (partly given the surge in medium & modern manufacturing data).

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

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

How Economic Diversification Drives GCC Growth for 2026

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia clocked in an increase in non-hydrocarbon earnings, "primarily reflecting non-hydrocarbon tax base expansions and profits collection effectiveness enhancements", according to the IMF. In the present geopolitical environment identified by magnifying, it is in the very best interests of product reliant nations to diversify its export base, exports and trade partners.