RIYADH: The Gulf Cooperation Council economy is forecast to rebound 8.1 percent in 2027 after contracting 2.4 percent in 2026, as regional energy exports, tourism and investor confidence gradually normalize following conflict-related disruptions, a new analysis showed. The forecast, published by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales in partnership with Oxford Economics, assumes an interim agreement between the US and Iran evolves into a lasting settlement, allowing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to normalize and reducing the risk of a sharp oil-price shock.

GCC economy set for 2.4% contraction in 2026 before a strong 8.1% rebound in 2027, driven by recovering energy exports, tourism and business confidence.

RIYADH: The Gulf Cooperation Council economy is forecast to rebound 8.1 percent in 2027 after contracting 2.4 percent in 2026, as regional energy exports, tourism and investor…