MEcon | July 2025 Edition
This report provides July's updates and analysis on key topics and valuable regional insights across the Middle East, focusing on the Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar markets.
Saudi Arabia
Latest data indicates continued strong performance within KSA with key measures of business sentiment and investment demonstrating growth. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised KSA economic growth forecast for 2025, increasing it from 3.0% in April to 3.5% in its latest Article IV release, and subsequently to 3.6% in its July World Economic Outlook (WEO) report. Meanwhile, labor market growth and new investment initiatives were July’s key highlights.
United Arab Emirates
UAE inflation rose to 1.4% in Q1 2025, driven by increases in domestic services and housing costs. Dubai Land Department's agreement with Crypto.com enables real estate transactions using digital currencies. Furthermore, the UAE's Strategic Plan 2031, announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, focuses on AI, efficiency, and digital agility.
Qatar
Qatar’s real GDP grew by 3.7% year-on-year in Q1 2025. Revenues and exports from the North Field gas expansion project are expected to materialize from mid-2026 onwards and Qatar’s economy is projected to grow strongly in the latter half of 2025 and into 2026 due to expanding gas production and increased LNG exports.
