Dunes and gloom: MBS’s annus horribilis

Saudi Arabia's economy is now forecast to contract 3.3% in 2025 as MBS's three central strategic bets all falter at once.

• MBS's three bets fail together: Saudi efforts to defeat the Houthis, reshape the economy, and lock in a Trump alliance are all unraveling simultaneously this year.
• Economy contracting, not growing: IMF now expects Saudi GDP to shrink 3.3% in 2025 versus an earlier 4% growth forecast; FDI hit only ~$30bn against a $100bn target.

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