IMF identifies 6 buffers helping Gulf economies withstand oil shocks
- Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman have utilized alternative oil export routes to navigate disruptions effectively, with Saudi Arabia’s GDP expected to grow by 7.9% in 2027.
- Bahrain faces economic contraction of 11.3% this year, requiring fiscal measures due to lower reserves compared to its Gulf peers.
- Iraq's economy is projected to contract by 16% in 2026, emphasizing the need for comprehensive fiscal reforms to stabilize its economy.
- The IMF calls for deeper Gulf integration in financial markets and infrastructure to bolster economic resilience long-term.
