GCC: Growth on the Rise, but Smart Spending Will Shape a Thriving Future
you are currently viewing::GCC: Growth on the Rise, but Smart Spending Will Shape a Thriving FutureJune 19, 2025-Economic growth across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is projected to increase in the medium-term to 3.2% in 2025 and 4.50% in 2026. This growth is likely to be driven by the expected rollback of OPEC+ oil production cuts and robust expansion of non-oil sectors. According to the latest edition of the Gulf Economic Update (GEU), regional growth was 1.7% in 2024 -an improvement from 0.3% in 2023. The non-hydrocarbon sector remained resilient, expanding by 3.7%--largely fueled by private consumption, investment, and structural reforms across the GCC. Source: worldbank.org |
April 30, 2026-The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) Group has hosted the initial offering period (IOP) for a US-based ETF, followed by the cross-listing of the KraneShares Wahed Alternative Income Index ETF (KWIN).
April 28, 2026- Announcement of its exit on Friday comes as Gulf producers are already struggling to ship exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
The United Arab Emirates has announced its decision to quit OPEC and OPEC+ to focus on "national interests", dealing a heavy blow to the oil-exporting groups at a time when the US-Israel war on Iran has caused a historic energy shock and rattled the global economy.
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April 26, 2026-The war has deepened instability in the Middle East
Most stock markets eked out small gains on Sunday despite hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough in the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran fading, with stalled talks underscoring the hardening positions of both Tehran and Washington.
April 7, 2026-GDP in Saudi Arabia and the UAE could fall by 3% and 5% respectively
The US-Israel war with Iran has now stretched beyond five weeks, inflicting extensive damage on energy infrastructure, airports, ports and commercial and technology hubs across the six GCC states.
April 2, 2026-Dubai's main share index dropped 1.4%
Major Gulf stock markets fell in early trading on Thursday after President Donald Trump said the U.S. would continue its attacks on Iran, without specifying when the war would end.
April 1, 2026-Dubai's main share index advanced 2.1%
Major Gulf stock markets rose in early Wednesday trading on hopes of a de-escalation in the Iran conflict, with Dubai leading gains as its 1 billion dirham ($272.3 million) support package took effect.
March 31, 2026-Aim for 70% private funding within 10 years
Currently 49% private investment
Iran conflict speeding up timelines
The UAE wants the private sector to lead its space programme within this decade -and the Iran conflict is helping to accelerate the pivot, according to industry experts speaking at an event in Washington.
March 17, 2026-Most Gulf stock markets fell in early trading on Monday, led by losses in Dubai as the Iran conflict weighed on investor sentiment and spurred risk aversion across the region.