Impact of FDI on GCC Industrial Transformation

Sub-Saharan African countries represent around one-third of the total, followed by Latin America and the Middle East (the latter two together representing over 40% of the total). 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 increased 17 ranks during the period. The caught or even worse off countries are some parts of Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa where structural change has actually stalled.

shows 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 initial period versus 2020-24). with UAE outshining in the trade sub-index (supported by current bilateral trade agreements & non-oil exports push). vs its pre-pandemic reading (partly offered the surge in medium & modern manufacturing information).

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

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

Why Economic Expansion Boosts GCC Stability in 2026

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia clocked in a boost in non-hydrocarbon revenue, "mostly reflecting non-hydrocarbon tax base expansions and revenue collection efficiency improvements", according to the IMF. In the present geopolitical environment defined by magnifying, it remains in the very best interests of commodity reliant nations to diversify its export base, exports and trade partners.