Future Middle East Investment Trends for 2026 Global Markets

Sub-Saharan African countries represent around one-third of the total, 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 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 24; both Saudi Arabia and Oman rose 17 ranks during the period. The caught or even worse off countries are some parts of Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa where structural improvement has stalled.

reveals a substantial boost in average 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 current bilateral trade contracts & non-oil exports push). vs its pre-pandemic reading (partially given the rise in medium & high-tech production data).

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Its diversification metrics have stagnated, showing the least enhancement between the preliminary (2000-04) and final (2020-24) reference 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 execution) and strong services sector performance.

Will GCC Industrial Success Exceed Global Benchmarks?

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia clocked in an increase in non-hydrocarbon income, "mainly showing non-hydrocarbon tax base growths and income collection effectiveness enhancements", according to the IMF. In the current geopolitical environment characterized by intensifying, it is in the finest interests of commodity dependent nations to diversify its export base, exports and trade partners.