World Bank ups Middle East 2025 economic outlook as oil, tourism rebound
The lender expects gross domestic product growth in the region to average 2.8% this year, up from its April forecast of 2.6%.
The World Bank on Tuesday improved its economic outlook for the Middle East and North Africa in 2025 but downgraded its forecast for 2026, citing regional conflict and lower oil production outside the Gulf.
The Washington-based multilateral lender said in its economic update it now expects gross domestic product growth in the region to be 2.8% this year, up from its April forecast of 2.6%. It projects 2026 MENA economic growth to be 3.3%, down from its April projection of 3.7%.
GCC reaps rewards
Gulf Cooperation Council economies were forecast to grow at 3.5% in 2025, up 0.3 percentage points from the World Bank's April projections. They are projected to grow by 4.4% in 2026 and 4.7% in 2027.
