Prime Highlights :
- All six GCC countries ranked among global leaders in key competitiveness indicators in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026.
- The UAE led the world in international trade and economic performance, while other GCC countries secured top positions in labour markets, infrastructure, fiscal management, and tax policy.
Key Facts :
- The rankings are based on the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026, published by the International Institute for Management Development.
- The report evaluates economies across areas including economic performance, business efficiency, government efficiency, infrastructure, and public finance.
Background :
Economic performance of the GCC countries was better, and the countries emerged as the most competitive in the world in 2026, since all six economies performed well in various sectors of commerce and the economy, according to the GCC Statistical Center.
This ranking is due to the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026, which was produced by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD). In this essay, different countries shall be ranked based on various issues such as financial management, business efficiency, government efficiency, and economic performance.
The UAE’s position for the criterion of international trade was first, while that for the economic performance criterion was also first in the international trade category, since the UAE engages in many transactions and competition.
Generally, Qatar has ranked second in the world in terms of labour market in the business efficiency category, indicating the strength of its labour force. Bahrain was found to be the third most price-stable country in the world, reflecting its capacity to enjoy stable economic conditions.
Saudi Arabia ranked third for basic infrastructure, thanks to continued investment in infrastructure projects that are beneficial to the economic development of the country. Kuwait was third in the world in public finance due to its good financial management and utilization of public resources.
In the government efficiency category, Oman obtained 6th place. The ranking is based on a country’s competitiveness in terms of tax regime and investment attraction.
The results reflect the success of the economic reforms and policies implemented in all the GCC countries, said the GCC Statistical Center. The impressive results also indicate the strides toward better business climates, sustainable development and regional global competitiveness that the GCC economies have taken.
