CGI Gulf Insights of the week (copy 332) (721)

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Wednesday, 01 October 2025
Published inOctober 2025

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September 2025

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Issue No:460

Country Risk Update - Kuwait

Risk Indicator - DB4a
Risk Level - Slight
Ratings Trend - Stable

In Q2 2025, the US economy grew 3.3% in annualised terms, up sharply from 0.5% growth in Q1 when output was weighed down by a ramp-up in imports ahead of tariffs. In late August, NATO released data revealing that all 32 members were – for the first time – due to meet the long-standing goal of spending 2.0% of GDP on defence. Only three members were likely to meet the new goal, agreed in June 2025, of spending 3.5% of GDP. The French prime minister will face a confidence vote on 8 September, related to planned budget cuts and a debt-reduction package. Separately, the finance minister has announced that requesting an intervention by the IMF is a distinct possibility to address concerns about the growing budget deficit. Amid continued conflict, an attack in late August by Russia on a residential building in Kyiv, Ukraine, was met with outrage by global leaders, including the head of the EU Commission and the US president. The missile strike casts doubt on the sustainability of recent efforts to secure peace in the region..........................................................................

MARKET OVERVIEW

Led by UAE and Saudi Arabia, GCC economy to outpace global growth

(Source: Khaleej Times)

The GCC is poised to defy a weak global outlook, with regional growth set to nearly double that of the rest of the world this year. According to the ICAEW’s Economic Insight Q3 2025 report, produced in collaboration with Oxford Economics, the GCC is on track for 4.1 per cent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.6 per cent in 2026 — even as global GDP expansion slows to 2.7 per cent. That outperformance is largely anchored in surging oil output. The report notes that Opec+ began unwinding production cuts ahead of plan in April, aiming to restore roughly 2.5 million barrels per day by end-October. This resumption of supply has lifted energy-sector growth projections to 4.9 per cent in 2025 and 6.0 per cent in 2026. The lion’s share of spare capacity lies in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, making those economies.................

Abu Dhabi’s GSU acquires major stake in Uzbekistan solar firm

(Source: Khaleej Times)

Abu Dhabi-based Global South Utilities (GSU) has made a landmark entry into Central Asia with the acquisition of a majority stake in Uzbekistan’s Yashil Energiya, marking the first-ever Emirati acquisition of a renewable energy company in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The 51 per cent stake purchase underscores the UAE’s rising role as a global investor in clean energy and reflects its deepening strategic ties with Uzbekistan, a country seeking to generate half of its electricity from renewables by 2030. Yashil Energiya is a vertically integrated developer of commercial and industrial distributed solar projects in Uzbekistan and is also diversifying into electric vehicle charging and mini hydropower. With 50 megawatts of operational solar assets and an ambitious growth pipeline, the company provides GSU with an..................

Surge in Q2 bank lending signals robust UAE economic growth

(Source: Khaleej Times)

The UAE banking sector has continued to power ahead, reporting strong credit growth, solid profitability and improved efficiency in the second quarter of 2025 — a performance that underscores the country’s robust economic momentum and enduring investor confidence. The latest UAE Banking Pulse by Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) reveals that the nation’s top lenders delivered another stellar quarter, reinforcing the UAE’s position as the most stable and profitable banking system in the region. Lending activity accelerated sharply, with net loans and advances rising 5 per cent quarter-on-quarter, outpacing deposit growth of 2.8 per cent as both corporates and consumers demonstrated growing confidence in the economy. Economists view lending surge as a clear indicator of the UAE’s strong economic fundamentals. When banks lend more, it reflects.................

Dubai ranks 11th in Global Financial Centres Index as Abu Dhabi soars 10 places

(Source: The National)

Dubai climbed one spot to rank 11th in this year's Global Financial Centres Index, boosted by growth in its financial technology (FinTech) sector. The emirate, the region's commercial and financial hub, ranked fourth globally for FinTech in the index released on Thursday. Abu Dhabi was the next Middle Eastern entry on the list at 28th − jumping 10 positions from its 38th place the previous year. Dubai also secured top 10 spots in professional services, government and regulatory, and trading sectors, making it one of only seven cities to rank in the top five in one or more categories. The index, published by Z/Yen Group in partnership with the China Development Institute, is an annual survey of major financial centers worldwide. A total of 135 cities were evaluated for this year's list. The index examined regulatory factors most important.......................

COMMODITY & STOCK MARKET UPDATE

Commodity Update

(source: Trading Economics)

The weekly commodity update from Trading Economics

Stock Market Update

(source: Mubasher)

The weekly stock market update from Mubashar

CRIF D&B WORLD

Monitor Clients: Live with D&B

(Source: Dun & Bradstreet)

Stay ahead of risk, not behind it. With D&B’s real-time client monitoring and predictive analytics, you get the clarity you need to protect cash flow and build a stronger financial footing. Tap into smarter credit, today.

CGI Gulf Insights of the week (copy 332)

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