Reviewing New GCC Research for Future Insights

Company news and financial news, analysis, viewpoint and statistics covering the six Gulf Corporation Council members Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Financial growth throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is set to speed up in 2026, with the area projected to outperform its 2025 performance regardless of muted oil earnings and ongoing international uncertainties. According to a brand-new Oxford Economics research instruction, GCC GDP growth is expected to increase to 4.4 percent in 2026, up from 4 per cent in 2025, showing a durable nonenergy sector, strong customer characteristics, and gradually enhancing oil output.

But the current forecasts suggest that Gulf economies are now wellpositioned to restore momentum, buoyed by reinforcing domestic demand and a broadly steady international backdrop. The report highlights GCC consumers as a major motorist of the area's economic efficiency heading into next year. Low inflation, robust labour markets, and growing genuine non reusable earnings are expected to sustain a rise in consumer costs across the Gulf.

Credit growth is likewise forecast to stay raised as access to monetary services broadens. With GCC reserve banks expected to follow expected US Federal Reserve rate cuts due to the area's dollar pegs, borrowing expenses are likely to decline, giving homes and services further inspiration to spend and invest. While the nonoil sector continues to anchor the region's resilience, the GCC's hydrocarbon outlook presents a combined photo.

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This might weigh on firsthalf development, especially for economies more based on oil extraction. Oxford Economics projects a rebound later in 2026, with Opec+ members anticipated to resume raising production as stocks tighten up and international need improves. Qatar, meanwhile, stands apart as a regional outperformer, with significant expansions in gas production and exports expected to raise its total financial efficiency.

Saudi Arabia's 2026 spending plan expects a 6 percent cut in capital expense as the kingdom intends to narrow its fiscal deficit by two percentage points. However, the report notes that these cuts may not materialise fully if countercyclical spending steps are activated to support development. By contrast, more varied economies such as the UAE and Qatar are expected to continue advancing their advancement programs.

In spite of shortterm dangers connected to oil rates and global demand, the GCC's 2026 economic outlook is specified by strength in fundamentals: resistant customers, robust nonenergy sectors, improving oil characteristics, and strategic fiscal preparation. With these elements aligning, the region is preparing for one of its most balanced periods of expansion recently anchored by a clear upward trajectory in GDP development.

Emerging Strategic Trends Defining the 2026 Regional Economy

RIYADH: Gulf Cooperation Council regional economies are expected to remain resistant in 2026, driven by strong domestic demand and a broadly constant international economy, according to an analysis. In its most current report, Oxford Economics highlighted that the genuine gross domestic product of the GCC region is anticipated to expand by 4.4 percent in 2026, up from the projected 4 percent this year.

We anticipate GCC growth will increase to 4.4 percent in 2026, from 4 percent this year."In November, the GCC Statistical Center said that financial growth in the area is set to speed up to 4.3 percent by 2027, driven by broadening non-oil sectors.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Non-oil activities accounted for 73.2 percent of total GDP, up from 70.6 percent at the end of 2024, highlighting the region's continued development towards diversity. According to Oxford Economics, GCC customers will be standout entertainers in 2026 and are anticipated to exceed their global peers.

In December, the IMF even more stated that headline inflation is expected to remain below 2 percent in Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar, close to 2 percent in the Kingdom and the UAE, and a little above 2 percent in Kuwait in 20252026. According to Oxford Economics, credit development is expected to remain raised in the GCC area during 2026, as access to financial services is expected to grow and loaning is predicted to be supported by more cuts in interest rates."Owing to their currency pegs to the US dollar, GCC main banks are anticipated to follow the US Federal Reserve by alleviating monetary policy further, which in turn will lower financial obligation maintenance costs and improve non reusable earnings and demand," stated the report.