How Economic Diversification Boosts GCC Growth for 2026

Sub-Saharan African countries represent around one-third of the total, followed by Latin America and the Middle East (the latter two together accounting for over 40% of the total). 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 greater than others; UAE is up more than 45 places in 2024 compared to 2000 while Qatar climbed up 24; both Saudi Arabia and Oman increased 17 ranks throughout the period. The caught or even 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 duration 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 (partially given the rise in medium & modern production data).

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

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

Vital Factors Influencing Gulf Market Forecasts for 2026

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia clocked in an increase in non-hydrocarbon earnings, "mainly reflecting non-hydrocarbon tax base growths and profits collection effectiveness enhancements", according to the IMF. In the current geopolitical environment defined by intensifying, it remains in the very best interests of commodity dependent countries to diversify its export base, exports and trade partners.