How to Maintain a Leading Advantage in 2026

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

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Financial growth across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is set to speed up in 2026, with the area forecasted to outperform its 2025 efficiency regardless of muted oil profits and ongoing international uncertainties. According to a new Oxford Economics research briefing, GCC GDP development is expected to increase to 4.4 percent in 2026, up from 4 per cent in 2025, showing a resilient nonenergy sector, strong consumer dynamics, and gradually improving oil output.

The latest projections suggest that Gulf economies are now wellpositioned to gain back momentum, buoyed by strengthening domestic need and a broadly steady global background. The report highlights GCC customers as a major driver of the area's financial performance heading into next year. Low inflation, robust labour markets, and growing real disposable earnings are anticipated to fuel a rise in customer spending throughout the Gulf.

Credit growth is also anticipated to stay raised as access to financial services broadens. With GCC reserve banks expected to follow expected United States Federal Reserve rate cuts due to the region's dollar pegs, borrowing expenses are likely to decrease, giving homes and services further impetus to invest and invest. While the nonoil sector continues to anchor the region's strength, the GCC's hydrocarbon outlook provides a blended image.

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This might weigh on firsthalf growth, especially for economies more depending on oil extraction. Oxford Economics forecasts a rebound later in 2026, with Opec+ members expected to resume raising production as stocks tighten and global demand improves. Qatar, meanwhile, stands apart as a local outperformer, with significant growths in gas production and exports anticipated to lift its general financial performance.

Saudi Arabia's 2026 budget plan expects a 6 percent cut in capital investment as the kingdom aims to narrow its fiscal deficit by 2 portion points. The report keeps in mind that these cuts may not materialise fully if countercyclical costs measures are activated to support growth. By contrast, more diversified economies such as the UAE and Qatar are expected to continue advancing their advancement programs.

In spite of shortterm dangers connected to oil prices and worldwide need, the GCC's 2026 economic outlook is defined by strength in basics: resistant consumers, robust nonenergy sectors, enhancing oil characteristics, and strategic financial preparation. With these aspects lining up, the area is getting ready for one of its most balanced periods of growth in current years anchored by a clear upward trajectory in GDP growth.

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RIYADH: Gulf Cooperation Council regional economies are expected to stay durable in 2026, driven by strong domestic demand and a broadly steady worldwide economy, according to an analysis. In its latest report, Oxford Economics highlighted that the genuine gdp of the GCC region is anticipated to broaden by 4.4 percent in 2026, up from the projected 4 percent this year.

US trade policy under President Donald Trump has had no notable impact on regional development, and non-energy sectors have actually sustained their robust momentum," said Oxford Economics. It included: "On the other hand, oil production has slowly increased, providing an increase to the region's economies. We expect GCC growth will rise to 4.4 percent in 2026, from 4 percent this year."In November, the GCC Statistical Center stated that financial development in the region is set to accelerate 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 progress towards diversity. According to Oxford Economics, GCC consumers will be standout entertainers in 2026 and are expected to outshine their global peers.

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