Estimates indicate an improvement in the growth rate of Arab economies, with a projected rate of 3.8% in 2025, rising to 4.3% in 2026, compared to 2.2% in 2024. This anticipated growth is driven by ongoing economic reforms, income diversification efforts, and improvements in the financing and investment environment.

Conversely, inflation rates are expected to continue declining, reaching approximately 20.8% in 2025 and 14.2% in 2026, down from 31.9% in 2024. Excluding countries experiencing exceptional inflationary pressures, inflation is projected at 7.6% in 2025 and 5.6% in 2026.

The report outlines key priorities for economic policies, particularly in the areas of fiscal and monetary policy, with an emphasis on enhancing fiscal sustainability, diversifying revenue sources, and improving spending efficiency.

Eleven Arab exchanges ended the quarter in positive territory, led by the Palestine Exchange with an impressive gain of 18.29%, followed by Dubai (11.96%) and Abu Dhabi (6.28%). In contrast, four markets posted declines, with the Saudi Exchange and Iraq’s bourse recording the largest drops at -7.16% and -4.33%, respectively.

Despite the upward momentum in market indices, total market capitalization across Arab exchanges fell by 2.42%, reaching $4,221.54 billion. Trading values also declined by 8.04%, amounting to $230.38 billion.

The improved performance was supported by a combination of factors, including rising oil prices, easing global trade tensions, and accommodative monetary policies. The U.S. Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, while the Bank of England and the European Central Bank introduced rate cuts. Meanwhile, most Gulf central banks maintained their rates, and the Central Bank of Egypt lowered its deposit rate to 24%.

These programs were conducted as part of the Institute’s mission to provide high-quality training content that keeps pace with regional and global economic and financial developments. The courses addressed priority topics for member countries, including macroeconomics, financial stability, institutional development, governance, and compliance.

The training sessions were implemented in cooperation with several regional and international partner institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), HEC Paris, the Islamic Development Bank Institute, and the Arab Regional Payments Clearing and Settlement Organization (BUNA), alongside international experts and academic specialists.

Through this intensive activity, the Training and Capacity Development Institute reaffirms its firm commitment to supporting sustainable economic development in the Arab region by investing in human capital and delivering practical training programs that enhance the efficiency of national cadres and strengthen institutional readiness to face future challenges.
 

The meetings are also regularly attended by representatives from the International Committee on Credit Reporting (ICCR), along with several other regional and international institutions.

In this context, H.E. Dr. Fahad M. Alturki, Director General Chairman of the Board of the Arab Monetary Fund, emphasized that credit information systems represent a fundamental pillar of the modern financial system, playing a vital role in enhancing lending efficiency, improving risk management, and supporting financial inclusion, in alignment with international best practices. By addressing key focus areas, the Arab Committee for Credit Information can contribute significantly to broader goals of sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion across the Arab region.

His Excellency also commended the participation of relevant regional and international financial institutions and their valuable contributions to enriching the dialogue.

His Excellency Dr. Fahad M. Alturki, Director General Chairman of the Board of the Arab Monetary Fund, inaugurated the program with a keynote address highlighting the importance of this six-month initiative, which targets policymakers and experts from Arab countries. The program aligns with the Fund’s new 2025–2030 strategy, which focuses on strengthening institutional capacity and developing economic and financial competencies across the region.

The program combines self-paced learning, in-person attendance, and virtual interaction to offer a comprehensive educational experience led by international experts. It covers critical topics such as global tax policy, digital transformation in tax administration, resource mobilization, reducing tax gaps, and the latest trends in international taxation.