The GCC sovereigns’ stable credit quality is backed by strong, hydrocarbon-driven economic recovery in 2027. However, that prolonged geopolitical uncertainty could strain public finances and expose variances in sovereigns' fiscal ability to absorb lengthy disruptions, said S&P Global Rating.
Most Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) sovereigns remain supported by strong balance sheets and alternative export channels despite the economic and geopolitical fallout from the US-Iran war, which has prompted Fitch Ratings to revise its 2026 global sovereign sector outlook to “deteriorating” from “neutral.”
