Why Industrial Diversification Boosts GCC Growth for 2026

Sub-Saharan African countries represent around one-third of the overall, followed by Latin America and the Middle East (the latter 2 together accounting for over 40% of the overall). 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 higher 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 period. The trapped or worse off countries are some parts of Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa where structural transformation has stalled.

reveals a considerable 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 surpassing in the trade sub-index (supported by recent bilateral trade agreements & non-oil exports push). vs its pre-pandemic reading (partly offered the surge in medium & state-of-the-art manufacturing data).

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Its diversity metrics have stagnated, revealing the least enhancement between the preliminary (2000-04) and final (2020-24) referral periods., in spite of 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.

Role of Capital on Regional Industrial Development

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia clocked in an increase in non-hydrocarbon income, "mainly reflecting non-hydrocarbon tax base expansions and revenue collection effectiveness improvements", according to the IMF. In the existing geopolitical environment characterized by heightening, it remains in the very best interests of commodity dependent nations to diversify its export base, exports and trade partners.