
All about The Gulf Economy
Browse the latest news, articles, and episodes related to this category.
News
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Saudi PMI Jumps to 55.3 in September in Strongest Reading Since February
Saudi Arabia's Riyad Bank Non-Oil Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 55.3 points in September from 53.8 in August, marking its sixth consecutive month of expansion.

PIF-Owned HUMAIN Seeks to Raise $2.5 Billion for Data Center Fund
HUMAIN, owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, is seeking to raise $2.5 billion to fund data centers supporting artificial intelligence workloads, according to reports.

NEOM's "The Line" Project Delayed Beyond 2030 Amid Major Cutbacks
Saudi Arabia has radically scaled back construction targets for "The Line" in the NEOM project, with completion of the ambitious project reportedly delayed beyond 2030.

Saudi Finances Supported by Oil Above $100, But Infrastructure Attacks and PIF Liquidity Raise Concerns
Saudi finances benefit from Brent prices remaining above $100, but analysis points to risks such as the vulnerability of oil infrastructure to attacks, and questions regarding the actual liquidity available to the Public Investment Fund.

UAE Attracts $362 Million of the $375 Million Raised by Regional Companies in August
The UAE accounted for $362 million of the $375 million raised by MENA region companies in August 2026, representing 97% of the region's total funding for the month.

Consumer Spending in Saudi Arabia Surpasses SAR 425 Billion in Q1, Growing by 6.8%
Data from the Saudi Central Bank recorded an increase in consumer spending to SAR 425 billion in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 6.8% growth compared to the same period last year.

Saudi Arabia Accelerates Privatization of Airports and Desalination Plants Under Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia presents airport and water desalination privatization programs as a core pillar of its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy.

Saudi Arabia Issues 9,018 Investment Licenses in Q2, Up 252% Year-on-Year
Saudi Arabia issued 9,018 investment licenses during the second quarter of 2026, a 252% increase compared to the same period last year, reflecting growing investor confidence.

Saudi Fiscal Breakeven Oil Price Between $80 and $85 Narrows Fiscal Margin with Brent at $86
Economists estimate the fiscal breakeven oil price for the Saudi budget between $80 and $85 per barrel, narrowing the safety margin as Brent trades near $86.

Kuwait's Economy to Grow 3.9% in 2026, Below Gulf Average, Sheltered by Its Oil Wealth
Kuwait's economy is projected to grow by 3.9% in 2026, falling below the GCC average, while its vast oil wealth provides a financial cushion that eases structural pressures.

Saudi Non-Oil Exports Rise 17% in 2026 as Diversification Accelerates
Saudi non-oil exports recorded a growth of 17% during 2026, serving as evidence of progress in diversifying the economy away from reliance on crude oil.

Saudi Non-Oil PMI Surpasses 60, Recording Its Strongest Reading in Months
Saudi Arabia's non-oil Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) surpassed the 60-point mark, indicating exceptional business activity outside the oil sector and highlighting the success of economic diversification efforts.

UAE Economy Headed for 5.6% Growth in 2026 Driven by Tourism, Trade, and Vision 2031
The UAE economy is expected to grow by 5.6% in 2026, driven by the tourism, trade, and financial services sectors, along with the "We the UAE 2031" strategic initiatives.

Oman's Re-exports Rise 20% in 2026, Leveraging Its Strategic Location
Omani re-exports recorded a 20% increase during 2026, benefiting from the Sultanate's strategic location between Asia, Africa, and the Gulf, amid escalating regional trade tensions.
Articles & Analysis
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September Between Hormuz and the Fed: How Does the War Reach the Gulf Investor's Pocket?
Only 4 ships crossed Hormuz compared to an average of 13. If the bottleneck continues, the war shock will reach the Gulf via oil, interest rates, and the dollar before it reaches stock market screens.

