Economy & Finance

The Middle East’s largest economies have long sought to reduce their dangerous dependency on oil revenues, with Saudi Arabia’s high-profile Vision 2030 just the latest in a long list of such strategies. Even the region’s smaller economies have fallen into the trap of heavily subsidizing fuels and electricity, and are increasingly struggling with the financial impact.

Economics & Finance

6 Nov, 2026

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Saudi Budget Deficit Widens

Saudi Arabia’s budget deficit widened in Q3 as lower tax payments from Aramco hit oil revenues. Government debt now exceeds end-year forecasts.
Saudi Arabia’s 9m 2026 Deficit Would Already Stand As One Of The Largest Full Year Deficits On Record ($bn)
Economics & Finance

30 Oct, 2026

Top Story

Iraq’s Record 2027 Budget Rests On Fragile Assumptions

Iraq’s draft budget for 2027 entails record spending, which the government optimistically hopes will be financed by record crude oil exports of 4mn b/d.
Iraqi Oil Exports Are Nearing Pre-Conflict Levels, With Ceyhan Volumes Accounting For A Greater Share Of The Total (mn b/d)
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SELECTED DATA

Qatar Is On Track For Its First Annual Deficit Since 2020 ($bn)

Iraq’s Crude Oil Export Revenues Set To Drop By $11bn This Year As Falling Oil Prices Take Their Toll ($/B)

Saudi Arabia Budget Deficit Topped $30bn Last Year. Deficits Forecast To Stretch Out To At Least 2028

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