How Industrial Diversification Drives Middle East Stability for 2026

Sub-Saharan African nations represent around one-third of the total, followed by Latin America and the Middle East (the latter two 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 24; both Saudi Arabia and Oman increased 17 ranks throughout the duration. The caught or worse off nations are some parts of Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa where structural improvement has stalled.

shows a considerable boost in average 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 exceeding in the trade sub-index (supported by recent bilateral trade contracts & non-oil exports push). vs its pre-pandemic reading (partially offered the rise in medium & state-of-the-art manufacturing data).

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Its diversification metrics have stagnated, revealing the least enhancement between the preliminary (2000-04) and final (2020-24) referral periods., regardless of 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 implementation) and strong services sector efficiency.

Upcoming Middle East Market Shifts for 2026 Global Markets

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia clocked in an increase in non-hydrocarbon revenue, "primarily reflecting non-hydrocarbon tax base expansions and profits collection performance improvements", according to the IMF. In the existing geopolitical environment characterized by magnifying, it remains in the finest interests of product reliant countries to diversify its export base, exports and trade partners.