MEcon | October 2025 Edition
This report provides October’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
Oil exports rose to a six-month high in August 2025, outpacing non-oil export growth, as KSA increased production. The IMF has revised KSA’s economic growth forecast upward to 4.0% for both 2025 and 2026. Meanwhile, KSA continues to implement policy reforms aimed at diversification and enhancing social welfare.
UAE
The IMF’s upward revision of the UAE’s GDP growth to 4.8% for 2025 highlights the country’s robust economic resilience, driven by strong non-hydrocarbon sectors and ongoing reforms. The approval of the UAE’s largest ever federal budget for 2026, provides a strong financial foundation to support economic activity across the country. Additionally, Practical initiatives across various sectors are driving innovation and efficiency.
Qatar
The IMF has forecast that Qatar’s economy will grow by 2.9% in 2025 before accelerating to 6.1% in 2026. The non-energy PMI decreased slightly from 51.9 in August 2025 to 51.5 in September 2025, reflecting slightly slower but sustained growth. Qatar has also recently announced a long-term residency visa for foreign investors in Qatar’s real estate sector, reinforcing efforts to grow the sector.
