Key Developments in the MENA Region: A Weekly Roundup

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has witnessed a dynamic week, with significant developments across politics, economics, culture, and climate. Here’s a concise roundup of the most important updates from the past week.

This week, several MENA countries released key economic data, reflecting the region’s resilience and challenges. Saudi Arabia reported a 4.2% year-on-year GDP growth for Q4 2024, driven by its Vision 2030 initiatives, particularly in tourism, entertainment, and renewable energy. The Kingdom also announced a $20 billion investment in green hydrogen projects, positioning itself as a global leader in clean energy.

Egypt unveiled its latest inflation figures, showing a slight decline to 18.5% in January 2025, thanks to tighter monetary policies and improved supply chains. However, food prices remain high, impacting low-income households. Meanwhile, the UAE released trade data highlighting a 12% increase in non-oil exports, fueled by stronger ties with India and East Africa.

Despite these positive trends, regional economies face headwinds from fluctuating oil prices, which dropped to $75 per barrel due to weaker global demand. OPEC+ is expected to meet next week to discuss potential production cuts.

In Syria, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, former rebel leader Ahmed al‑Sharaa emerged as the new interim president. At the Syrian Revolution Victory Conference in Damascus, al‑Sharaa unveiled an ambitious plan to dismantle old Ba’athist institutions, launch constitutional reforms, and initiate a national dialogue aimed at unifying a war‑torn nation.

In Lebanon, political realignment continues as thousands commemorate the 20th anniversary of Rafik Hariri’s assassination. This symbolic event coincides with renewed demands for full Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon and sweeping reforms to address chronic economic and sectarian divisions.

Meanwhile, Egypt is set to host an emergency Arab summit on February 27 to discuss destabilizing proposals from Washington, underscoring a regional push for diplomatic engagement amid shifting alliances. These transformative developments offer hope for stability and reform.

Culturally, the MENA region celebrated several milestones this week. The Dubai Art Expo 2025 opened to record attendance, showcasing contemporary art from over 50 countries. The event highlighted the UAE’s growing influence as a global cultural hub.

In Morocco, the Marrakech International Book Fair attracted authors and publishers from across the Arab world, promoting dialogue on literature and identity. The fair also featured a special focus on climate change, aligning with Morocco’s leadership in environmental advocacy.

Morocco hosted the inaugural MENA Renewable Energy Forum, where government and private sector leaders unveiled plans to expand solar and wind capacity and integrate advanced energy storage solutions. They also announced a significant investment package to boost clean energy projects and accelerate its transition to a low‑carbon economy.

In Iraq, the government launched a $500 million initiative to combat desertification, focusing on reforestation and sustainable water management. This comes as the country faces its worst drought in decades, with the Tigris and Euphrates rivers reaching historically low levels.

As the region moves into the next week, all eyes will be on the OPEC+ meeting and its implications for global oil markets. Additionally, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian talks and Syria’s new presidency will be critical to watch for signs of stability or further challenges.

This weekly roundup provides a snapshot of the most important developments in the MENA region, offering a reliable reference point to stay informed. From economic trends to cultural milestones, the region continues to navigate a complex yet transformative landscape.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to monitor these evolving stories and their impact on the MENA region and beyond.