According to a report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the gross domestic product of countries in the Middle East and Central Asia is expected to grow by 3.9% in 2026. The fund’s analysts forecast that the region’s economy would expand by around 4% in 2025.
The IMF also expects relatively stable momentum to persist in the global economy: world growth is projected at 3.3% in 2026 and 3.2% in 2027. The report notes that challenges in trade are being partly offset by investments directed toward new technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The fund estimates global inflation at 3.8% this year and 3.4% next year. However, trade disputes could increase uncertainty and slow economic activity.
Political and geopolitical tensions are also cited as a separate risk factor, as they could disrupt supply chains and intensify volatility in financial and commodity markets.
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