How Economic Diversification Boosts GCC Stability in 2026 thumbnail

How Economic Diversification Boosts GCC Stability in 2026

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Sub-Saharan African countries account for 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). Consisting of, there has actually 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+ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+


and ranked greater than others; UAE is up more than 45 locations in 2024 compared to 2000 while Qatar climbed up 24; both Saudi Arabia and Oman increased 17 ranks throughout the duration. The trapped or worse off countries are some parts of Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa where structural transformation has stalled.

The 2026 Investment Climate in the GCC

reveals a significant boost in typical EDI scores 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 outperforming in the trade sub-index (supported by current bilateral trade agreements & non-oil exports push). vs its pre-pandemic reading (partially given the rise in medium & high-tech manufacturing data).

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+


Its diversity metrics have stagnated, revealing the least improvement in between the initial (2000-04) and final (2020-24) referral periods., despite the headwinds of OPEC+ production cuts. A robust non-hydrocarbon expansion was supported by the GCC's robust domestic need (supported by a strong project pipeline and execution) and strong services sector efficiency.

Evaluating Regional Investment Climates vs Emerging Markets

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia clocked in a boost in non-hydrocarbon profits, "mostly reflecting non-hydrocarbon tax base expansions and earnings collection efficiency improvements", according to the IMF. In the current geopolitical environment characterized by intensifying, it remains in the very best interests of product dependent countries to diversify its export base, exports and trade partners.