GCC Outperforms Global Average in 2026 Economic Freedom Index

Member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council continued to strengthen their performance in the 2026 Economic Freedom Index, outperforming the global average in a reflection of growing economic openness and an improving business environment across the region.

Data released by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat) showed that the GCC’s average score reached 66.9 points, surpassing the global average of 59.9 points by nearly seven points, indicating a higher level of economic openness.

The data indicated that all GCC countries recorded either improvements or stability in their scores between 2025 and 2026, with only slight variations in performance, underscoring the continuation of economic reforms and pro-growth policies.

At the Arab level, GCC countries ranked among the top seven, reinforcing their position as the most open economies in the region.

The index is based on four main pillars, rule of law, government size, regulatory efficiency, and market openness, and is calculated using 12 sub-indicators, covering 184 countries worldwide.

Improved performance in the index contributes to attracting foreign investment, stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, enhancing competitiveness, improving living standards, reducing corruption, and stabilising financial markets, reflecting the success of economic policies and structural reforms pursued by GCC states and their ability to foster an attractive investment environment and achieve sustainable growth in line with global best practices.