Future GCC Investment Trends for 2026 World Markets

Sub-Saharan African countries represent around one-third of the overall, followed by Latin America and the Middle East (the latter two together representing 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 higher 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 during the duration. The trapped or even worse off countries are some parts of Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa where structural transformation has stalled.

reveals a significant boost in average EDI scores from 86.8 in 2000-04 to 92.6 in 2020-24, (up more than 10 points in the preliminary period versus 2020-24). with UAE outshining in the trade sub-index (supported by current bilateral trade arrangements & non-oil exports push). vs its pre-pandemic reading (partly given the surge in medium & state-of-the-art manufacturing data).

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Its diversity metrics have stagnated, revealing the least improvement in between the preliminary (2000-04) and last (2020-24) referral periods., regardless of the headwinds of OPEC+ production cuts. A robust non-hydrocarbon growth was supported by the GCC's robust domestic demand (supported by a strong job pipeline and implementation) and strong services sector performance.

Why GCC Emerging as Primary Industrial Powerhouse?

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia clocked in a boost in non-hydrocarbon revenue, "mainly showing non-hydrocarbon tax base growths and income collection effectiveness improvements", according to the IMF. In the current geopolitical environment defined by heightening, it remains in the very best interests of product dependent countries to diversify its export base, exports and trade partners.