Survey of Economic and Social Developments in the Arab Region 2018-2019

The Arab region experienced an economic recovery growth rate of 2.3% in 2018, up 1.7% from 2017. This recovery was largely attributed to hydrocarbon sector led growth in the region’s oil-exporting countries. While this growth momentum continues, the region remains linked to geopolitical uncertainties which are further exacerbated by a number of ongoing intraregional diplomatic rifts and armed conflict. The present challenge facing the region is its delicate fiscal situation as several Arab countries have established new energy subsidy systems, aimed at maintaining affordable energy prices against oil price fluctuation.