Essential Foreign Capital Trends across GCC Economy

Sub-Saharan African countries account for 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). Including, there has 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+

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 rose 17 ranks throughout the period. The caught or even worse off countries are some parts of Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa where structural improvement has actually stalled.

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 preliminary period versus 2020-24). with UAE outperforming 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 & high-tech manufacturing information).

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Its diversification metrics have stagnated, showing the least enhancement between the preliminary (2000-04) and last (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 job pipeline and implementation) and strong services sector efficiency.

Key Drivers Shaping GCC Market Outlooks for 2026

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia clocked in a boost in non-hydrocarbon revenue, "primarily showing non-hydrocarbon tax base expansions and revenue collection performance improvements", according to the IMF. In the existing geopolitical environment identified by magnifying, it is in the very best interests of product dependent nations to diversify its export base, exports and trade partners.