Standard Chartered: GCC To Maintain Economic Resilience Amid Global Uncertainty in 2025

Standard Chartered announced its Global Market Outlook for 2025. In its report, the Bank highlighted the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is expected to remain a bright spot for global growth in 2025. Despite a projected slowdown in global growth to 3.1% from 3.2%, the GCC is expected to outperform, driven by resilient non-oil sector growth and strategic investments that underpin its economic diversification.

The GCC’s focus on long-term transformation continues to shield the region from many global economic challenges. Investment in non-oil sectors and a conducive environment for private-sector growth are expected to sustain momentum in 2025. The report also highlighted that lower interest rates are likely to provide additional support, particularly for borrowing-sensitive industries across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. While broader MENA economies, including Egypt and Lebanon, face heightened pressures from regional conflict, the GCC remains relatively insulated and well-positioned for steady expansion.

Commenting on the report, Ayesha Abbas, Managing Director and Head of Affluent and Wealth Solutions, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and UAE at Standard Chartered, said that the GCC were rare bright spots showing resilience and adaptability.

Globally, the global economy is bracing for the fallout from the US election. The clean sweep for President-elect Trump and the Republican party gives them a clear mandate to implement their policies, including significant tariffs on key US trading partners, including China. Trump’s pro-growth and protectionist policies are likely to be inflationary for the US, with consequences for the rest of the world. On the geopolitical front, Trump has said that he would end the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, which would have far-reaching consequences globally.