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

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Economic development across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is set to accelerate in 2026, with the region predicted to outshine its 2025 performance regardless of soft oil revenues and ongoing worldwide unpredictabilities. According to a brand-new Oxford Economics research study briefing, GCC GDP development is anticipated to increase to 4.4 percent in 2026, up from 4 percent in 2025, showing a durable nonenergy sector, strong consumer characteristics, and gradually improving oil output.

The most current forecasts suggest that Gulf economies are now wellpositioned to regain momentum, buoyed by strengthening domestic demand and a broadly consistent global background. The report highlights GCC customers as a significant chauffeur of the region's economic performance heading into next year. Low inflation, robust labour markets, and growing real disposable incomes are expected to fuel a rise in consumer spending across the Gulf.

Credit development is likewise anticipated to stay elevated as access to financial services expands. With GCC reserve banks anticipated to follow expected US Federal Reserve rate cuts due to the area's dollar pegs, obtaining costs are most likely to decline, offering households and companies even more motivation to invest 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 growth, particularly for economies more reliant on oil extraction. Oxford Economics forecasts a rebound later in 2026, with Opec+ members anticipated to resume raising production as inventories tighten up and worldwide demand improves. Qatar, meanwhile, stands out as a regional outperformer, with substantial expansions in gas production and exports anticipated to lift its general economic performance.

Saudi Arabia's 2026 budget plan anticipates a 6 percent cut in capital expense as the kingdom intends to narrow its financial deficit by two percentage points. Nevertheless, the report notes that these cuts might not materialise totally if countercyclical spending procedures are activated to support growth. By contrast, more varied economies such as the UAE and Qatar are anticipated to continue advancing their development programs.

In spite of shortterm threats connected to oil prices and international need, the GCC's 2026 economic outlook is specified by strength in basics: durable customers, robust nonenergy sectors, enhancing oil characteristics, and strategic financial preparation. With these aspects lining up, the region is getting ready for one of its most balanced durations of growth over the last few years anchored by a clear upward trajectory in GDP development.

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

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

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Non-oil activities accounted for 73.2 percent of overall GDP, up from 70.6 percent at the end of 2024, highlighting the region's ongoing development toward diversification. According to Oxford Economics, GCC customers will be standout performers in 2026 and are anticipated to outshine their worldwide peers.

In December, the IMF even more stated that heading inflation is anticipated to stay 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 growth is anticipated to stay elevated in the GCC region during 2026, as access to monetary services is anticipated to grow and lending is predicted to be supported by more cuts in rate of interest."Owing to their currency pegs to the US dollar, GCC main banks are anticipated to follow the US Federal Reserve by alleviating monetary policy even more, which in turn will reduce financial obligation servicing costs and improve non reusable income and demand," stated the report.