Pakistan to double exports in 3-5 years, targeting GCC market
Pakistan plans to double its exports within the next three to five years, with a particular focus on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market, according to Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
Speaking to Asharq Business and Bloomberg during his visit to Saudi Arabia for the Alula Conference for Emerging Market Economies 2025, Aurangzeb outlined the country’s ambitions to significantly boost its international trade.
In 2025 GCC to outpace the global economy
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE’s global financial institution, has launched its 2025 Global Investment Outlook report, forecasting that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly the UAE, will outperform global economic growth in 2025.
The growth is attributed to strategic investments, economic diversification, and robust expansion in the non-oil sector.
The report, titled Shaping the Future of Investments: Artificial Intelligence and the Interest Rate Environment, predicts the GCC’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate will nearly double from 2.1 percent in 2024 to 4.2 percent in 2025.
The UAE’s GDP is projected to rise from 4.5 percent to 5.6 percent, outpacing the International Monetary Fund’s global growth forecast of 3.2 percent.
Gulf is well placed to play a key role in global decision-making
As it transitions from energy dominance to tech and futures leadership, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is driving transformation through innovation, collaboration and strategic diplomacy.
By combining economic diversification with technology-driven foresight, the GCC – which comprises Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Bahrain and Oman – can play a larger role in global decision-making, balancing traditional paradigms with different perspectives. In addition, its diplomacy in regional conflicts and strategic alliances strengthens its influence amid shifting energy markets and multilateral forums.
The GCC’s growing influence stems from economic strength, modernization and visionary strategies. However, investment in co-creative capacity is crucial. Developing frameworks for inclusive stakeholder engagement and outcome-focused dialogue can enhance leadership and establish new global governance models.
In GCC Saudi Arabia’s vision 2030 driving private equity growth
Saudi Arabia has emerged as a transformative force in the private equity landscape within the Gulf Cooperation Council, driven by strategic initiatives, regulatory reforms and the nation’s commitment to Vision 2030.
The Kingdom’s ambitious plans are reshaping the region’s investment ecosystem, setting new benchmarks for growth, diversification and global engagement.
Private equity investments in Saudi Arabia have witnessed unprecedented growth over the past five years.
The total value of PE transactions surged from $523 million in 2019 to an all-time high of $4 billion in 2023 — seeing a compound annual growth rate of 66 percent during this period, according to a report by MAGNiTT and Saudi Venture Capital Co.
Major drivers behind GCC growth: strategic investments and vision plans
The growth forecast is largely driven by the ongoing transformation under national Vision plans. UAE’s Vision 2031 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 are at the heart of this growth, driving advancements in sectors such as technology, startups, and financial markets. This shift towards diversification and innovation is expected to deliver impressive returns in GCC equity markets, with an estimated 12 to 13 percent growth in 2025.
Furthermore, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expected to lead the region’s economic expansion, with its growth rate anticipated to rise from 4.5 percent in 2024 to 5.6 percent in 2025. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries will benefit from diversification efforts and strategic investments in non-oil sectors, bolstering the region’s resilience amid a challenging global economy.
Minister: UAE eyes investment in tourism, healthcare sectors in Kerala
In a sign of strengthening ties between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the West Asian country has said that it is looking for investment opportunities in key sectors such as healthcare, tourism, food processing, and technology in Kerala.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE minister of economy, said on Saturday that the economic partnership between the two nations has witnessed remarkable growth over the years. He was in Kerala to attend the Invest Kerala Global Summit (IKGS).
“The UAE is actively exploring investment opportunities across key sectors such as healthcare, tourism, food processing, and technology. With a vision for sustainable growth, our investments are not only shaping economic progress but also addressing global challenges— enhancing healthcare access, strengthening food security, driving technological innovation, and fostering resilient economies worldwide,” Marri, who was leading a 22-member delegation at the event, told the media.
75PC UAE residents expect bonus this year
A record 75 percent of residents in the UAE are expecting a bonus in 2025, according to a new survey by YouGov commissioned by Zurich International Life Limited.
This jump from 68 percent in 2024 reflects not only increasing optimism but also a shift in financial behaviour — one that suggests a growing focus on strategic planning leading to long-term financial security, it said.
With 68 percent of residents planning to save at least a portion of their bonus, it’s clear that long-term financial planning is taking hold across the nation. This increase in expectations signals a broader optimism in the UAE economy, where residents are feeling more secure and ready to invest in their future, the survey said.
The survey also revealed that 68 percent of UAE residents feel confident about their current money situation. More importantly, those who have sought professional financial advice report significantly higher levels of confidence, with 79 percent of them feeling more future-confident.