Economic growth in MENA, on track as oil production cuts ease

January 17, 2025--Non-hydrocarbon economic activity to remain robust across the region, says Moody's
Economic growth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region will accelerate to 2.9% in 2025 from an estimated 2.1% in 2024 amid partial unwinding of oil production cuts, Moody's Ratings said.

Inflation-adjusted real GDP growth for the region's hydrocarbon exporters will surge to 3.5% this year from the 1.9% forecast for 2024, supported by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iraq, Kuwait, and Oman who have started to reverse some of their oil production cuts implemented in 2023, said Alexander Perjessy, Vice President-Senior Credit Officer at Moody's.