Can Gulf Non-Oil Growth Outpace Western Averages?

Sub-Saharan African nations account for around one-third of the total, followed by Latin America and the Middle East (the latter two together representing over 40% of the overall). Including, there has actually 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 higher than others; UAE is up more than 45 locations in 2024 compared to 2000 while Qatar climbed 24; both Saudi Arabia and Oman increased 17 ranks throughout the duration. The caught or even worse off countries are some parts of Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa where structural improvement has stalled.

reveals a considerable increase in average EDI scores from 86.8 in 2000-04 to 92.6 in 2020-24, (up more than 10 points in the preliminary duration versus 2020-24). with UAE surpassing in the trade sub-index (supported by recent bilateral trade agreements & non-oil exports push). vs its pre-pandemic reading (partially offered the rise in medium & state-of-the-art manufacturing information).

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

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

Why Industrial Diversification Boosts Middle East Stability for 2026

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia clocked in an increase in non-hydrocarbon revenue, "primarily showing non-hydrocarbon tax base expansions and earnings collection performance improvements", according to the IMF. In the existing geopolitical environment characterized by intensifying, it remains in the best interests of commodity reliant nations to diversify its export base, exports and trade partners.