Why Economic Expansion Drives Middle East Stability in 2026

Sub-Saharan African nations represent around one-third of the overall, followed by Latin America and the Middle East (the latter 2 together representing over 40% of the total). Including, 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+

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 during the period. The caught or worse off countries are some parts of Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa where structural improvement has stalled.

reveals a significant increase in typical 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 exceeding in the trade sub-index (supported by recent bilateral trade contracts & non-oil exports push). vs its pre-pandemic reading (partly given the rise in medium & high-tech production data).

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

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

Comparing GCC Investment Incentives vs Emerging Peers

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia clocked in an increase in non-hydrocarbon earnings, "mostly reflecting non-hydrocarbon tax base expansions and income collection effectiveness enhancements", according to the IMF. In the existing geopolitical environment characterized by intensifying, it remains in the very best interests of product reliant nations to diversify its export base, exports and trade partners.