UAE

IMF Maintains UAE as 'Fastest Growing Arab Economy' in 2025

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has maintained its positive outlook for the UAE's economy, projecting a growth rate of 4% in 2025 — the highest among Arab nations. This was revealed in the IMF’s report released Tuesday during the Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and the IMF in Washington. The report also projects UAE’s economic growth to rise further to 5% in 2026.

According to the report, the Middle East and Central Asia region is expected to grow by 3% in 2025, increasing to 3.5% in 2026.

For Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the IMF forecasts the Saudi economy to grow by 3% in 2025 and 3.7% in 2026.

Kuwait’s economy is projected to grow by 1.9% in 2025, rising to 3.1% in 2026. Qatar is expected to grow by 2.4% in 2025 and a strong 5.6% in 2026. Bahrain’s economy is projected to expand by 2.8% in 2025 and 3% in 2026. Oman is forecast to grow steadily at 2.3% in both 2025 and 2026.

Among other Arab nations, Algeria is expected to grow by 3.5% in 2025 and 3% in 2026. Tunisia's economy is projected to grow by 1.4% in both 2025 and 2026. For Jordan, the IMF anticipates 2.6% growth in 2025 and 2.9% in 2026.