Countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have recorded a strong performance in the 2026 Index of Economic Freedom, surpassing the global average and reinforcing their position as some of the most open economies worldwide.
The latest data highlights continued progress in economic liberalization and business environment reforms across the region.
According to figures released by the Statistical Center of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, the GCC’s average score reached 66.9 points, significantly higher than the global average of 59.9 points.
The nearly seven-point gap underscores the region’s relative strength in economic openness, regulatory frameworks, and market accessibility.
Consistent performance driven by reform momentum
The data shows that all GCC member states either improved or maintained their positions in the index between 2025 and 2026, reflecting policy continuity and sustained reform efforts.
The relatively narrow variation in country scores points to a broadly aligned approach toward economic modernization, diversification, and private sector development.
At the Arab level, GCC countries ranked among the top seven performers, further consolidating their standing as leaders in economic openness within the region.
Key pillars underpinning the Index
The Index of Economic Freedom evaluates economies based on four core pillars: rule of law, government size, regulatory efficiency, and market openness.
These are measured through 12 detailed sub-indicators covering 184 countries worldwide, offering a comprehensive assessment of economic governance and institutional strength.
GCC countries’ strong showing across these pillars reflects ongoing improvements in legal frameworks, streamlined regulations, and enhanced market access- factors that are critical to fostering a competitive and investor-friendly environment.
Positive investment and growth
The upward trend in economic freedom is expected to translate into tangible economic benefits. Higher index scores are closely associated with increased foreign direct investment inflows, stronger economic growth, and expanded employment opportunities.
Additionally, improvements in transparency and governance contribute to reducing corruption risks and enhancing financial market stability.
Looking ahead, the continued focus on structural reforms and policy innovation is likely to sustain the GCC’s upward trajectory in global economic rankings.
