Saudi Arabia Faces Economic Contraction as War Woes Mount

The IMF cuts its 2026 growth forecasts across the Gulf

The Middle East and North Africa is now expected to be the only region to shrink this year. In April, the IMF forecast Saudi Arabia and the UAE would grow.

War in the Middle East is deepening global inequality, IMF says

War in the Middle East is deepening global inequality, IMF says Submitted by MEE staff on Tue, 10/13/2026 - 11:50 International Monetary Fund also points to destabilising impact of AI, as economic leaders meet in Bangkok Children pose for a photo in a makeshift camp for people displaced by clashes between Iran-aligned Houthi fighters and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces, near Aden, Yemen, 7 October 2026 (Reuters) Off Wars across the Midd…

IMF projects West, Central Asia economic contraction as war on Iran disrupts oil exports

The IMF downgrades its 2026 economic outlook for the West and Central Asia as the war against Iran disrupts oil production.

IMF warns Mideast war will widen gap between rich and poor countries

BANGKOK — Stubborn conflicts, high energy prices and rapid technological disruptions are deepening the divide between economic winners and losers across the globe, the International Monetary Fund warned on Tuesday in Bangkok.

Saudi Arabia faces economic contraction as war woes mount

Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter, faces a major economic contraction this year, the IMF said today, as deadly attacks by Yemen's Houthis squeeze a country already suffering from the Middle East war.

‘No Choice’, IMF Says Developing Countries Must Cut Spending Despite War Shock

The US war on Iran has plunged the Middle East into conflict and sent global energy prices soaring, as Tehran's retaliatory action targeted Washington's Gulf allies and curtailed oil and gas supplies.