How Economic Diversification Boosts GCC Growth in 2026

Sub-Saharan African nations account for around one-third of the total, followed by Latin America and the Middle East (the latter 2 together accounting for over 40% of the total). Consisting of, there has been an (from 90.3 in 2000-04 to 92.6 and 92.3 in the 5 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 rose 17 ranks during the period. The caught or worse off countries are some parts of Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa where structural change has stalled.

shows a substantial boost in typical EDI ratings from 86.8 in 2000-04 to 92.6 in 2020-24, (up more than 10 points in the initial period versus 2020-24). with UAE exceeding in the trade sub-index (supported by recent bilateral trade agreements & non-oil exports push). vs its pre-pandemic reading (partly given the surge in medium & state-of-the-art manufacturing information).

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Its diversification metrics have stagnated, revealing the least enhancement in between the initial (2000-04) and last (2020-24) referral periods., in spite 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 project pipeline and execution) and strong services sector efficiency.

Evaluating Regional Capital Climates vs Global Peers

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia clocked in a boost in non-hydrocarbon income, "mostly showing non-hydrocarbon tax base growths and profits collection efficiency improvements", according to the IMF. In the existing geopolitical environment identified by heightening, it remains in the best interests of commodity reliant nations to diversify its export base, exports and trade partners.