The year 2025 promises to be a pivotal one for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), marked by significant developments across various sectors. SRMG Think’s MENA 2025 Outlook report considers the critical issues and trends that are expected to shape the region's future. Drawing on insights from leading experts, the report provides a comprehensive analysis of the key themes that will influence MENA's economic, political, and social landscapes in the coming year.
This year has been marked by dramatic geopolitical events in the region. The war in Gaza has escalated, causing widespread devastation and drawing international concern. In Lebanon, a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has brought a tentative peace, though tensions remain high. The fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria has led to significant shifts in regional power dynamics, opening the door for new political forces. Meanwhile, the Saudi–Iran détente continues to evolve, fostering cautious optimism for regional stability.
Looking ahead, the re-election of Donald Trump as President of the United States (US) is anticipated to have profound implications for global energy markets, particularly for the MENA region. Contributors explore how Trump's policies, including deregulation and a focus on domestic energy production, could impact MENA oil producers. This section also examines the potential rollback of environmental regulations and its impact on the Inflation Reduction Act, and how these could alter the dynamics of the global energy transition.
The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with geopolitical tensions, has exposed the vulnerabilities of global supply chains. Our contributors discuss the strategies that MENA countries are adopting to enhance supply chain resilience, including diversifying supply sources, investing in local production, and leveraging the region’s strategic geographic location to become a key logistics hub. The contributions highlight the importance of regional trade and investment integration in supporting economic growth amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionise various sectors within MENA, from finance to healthcare. The discussion highlights the region's advancements in AI and the challenges and opportunities it presents, including the role of AI in reshaping labour markets. Contributors also addresses the ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks needed to harness AI's potential. Notably, this section features a special contribution on the theme of AI innovation in Saudi Arabia and across the region from His Excellency Dr Munir Eldesouki, President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.
The insights provided by the external experts featured in this report offer a nuanced understanding of the critical issues and trends that will impact the region in 2025, and we are grateful to them for sharing their valuable perspectives with us. SRMG Think’s MENA 2025 Outlook is an essential resource for anyone invested in the future of the region.