In the news: Gulf resilience grows as buffers withstand crisis; Saudi energy investments cushion the global economy, says Lebanon’s finance minister Jihad Azour. Azour, an economist and long-time public servant, has steered fiscal policy and financial reform debates in Lebanon since serving as finance minister (2005–2008) and remains a key voice on economic resilience.
The IMF and Gulf states have stressed that diversified exports, strong reserves, and swift policy action are keeping Gulf economies resilient amid regional instability and a global energy shock. Saudi Arabia’s investments in energy infrastructure and regional cooperation are highlighted as key factors in weathering the disruption.