The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has forecasted a global growth rate of just 2.3% for 2025, signaling potential recessionary pressures, contrasting with the Middle East's anticipated growth of 3.2%.

This resilience in the Middle East's economy is attributed to rising oil production and strategic economic policies, despite ongoing challenges such as the Gaza conflict.

Saudi Arabia is projected to lead the region with a growth rate of 3.5% in 2025, bolstered by increased oil output under OPEC+ agreements and its Vision 2030 diversification strategy.

The UAE is also expected to perform well, with a growth forecast of 3.8% driven by robust sectors like tourism, real estate, and financial services.

Turkey is anticipated to achieve a growth rate of 2.9% due to monetary easing and increased public spending, despite struggling with high inflation rates of 49%.

Qatar's expansion plans in liquefied natural gas (LNG) are expected to contribute to a growth rate of 2.8% in the coming year.

Intra-regional trade within the Middle East has surged, with non-oil trade among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members increasing by 15% to $150 billion in 2024, highlighting the importance of South-South trade.

UNCTAD emphasizes the need for stronger regional coordination and trade agreements to alleviate global economic pressures, pointing to initiatives like the Greater Arab Free Trade Area.

However, global trade policy uncertainty is at its highest this century, negatively impacting investment and hiring, with proposed US tariffs disrupting supply chains.

Developing nations are facing significant challenges, with a global public debt of $97 trillion in 2024, complicating the economic landscape.

While the Middle East appears well-positioned to weather global economic challenges, risks remain, including the potential for a deeper global recession or escalating conflicts that could disrupt trade and investment.

The Middle East's pivotal role in global energy markets continues to support its economy, with oil prices providing fiscal stability for GCC countries.