Can Market Research Drive Dubai Industrial Success?

Instead of marking a cyclical rebound, 2026 is increasingly deemed a debt consolidation year, in which diversification-led growth ends up being more deeply ingrained in the region's financial model, reducing dependence on hydrocarbons and increasing strength to external shocks. Forecasts from major institutions broadly converge on a more powerful GCC growth profile in 2026 than in 2025, supported by durable domestic need, continued non-oil expansion, and (to differing degrees) a firmer hydrocarbon contribution.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

3.2 percent development 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, reflecting a shift toward more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put the area materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to increase as governments expand financial investment in services, facilities, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is forecasted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Industrial Excellence: a Key Driver for Regional Success

Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures targeted at attracting foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.

Oxford Economics expects Brent crude rates to fall below USD 60 per barrel in early 2026, limiting the near-term contribution of oil extraction to GDP. However, oil supply is forecast to rise once again in the second half of the year, with a full unwinding of staying production caps most likely by mid-2027.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Macroeconomic conditions throughout the GCC stay broadly helpful of growth. Inflation is expected to remain low, with the IMF forecasting average inflation of 2 percent across the region in 2026. Steady rates are helping maintain real home earnings and underpin customer costs, which Oxford Economics anticipates to grow by an average of 3.5 percent over 20262027.