IMF cuts Middle East and Central Asia economic outlook as pandemic persists – The National

IMF cuts Middle East and Central Asia economic outlook as pandemic persists – The National

The latest projection is 2 percentage points lower than the IMF's April forecast and reflects the fund's bearish view on the global economy















































A cleaner sanitises a walkway leading to the hotel rooms at Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche Hotel. Victor Besa / The National







Seating has been rearranged at the Parmigiana Italian Restaurant at the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche Hotel to comply with coronavirus guidelines. Victor Besa / The National







A maximum-capacity sign displayed at the reception of the Parmigiana Italian Restaurant, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche Hotel. Victor Besa / The National







People spend time near the Bosphorus on a sunny day in Istanbul, Turkey. Turkish authorities have now allowed the reopening of restaurants, cafes, parks and beaches, besides lifting the ban on inter-city travel. EPA







A lab technician works at the Eva Pharma facility in Cairo, Egypt, with the Giza Pyramids seen from the window. AP Photo







A lab technician holds avipiravir medication used to treat coronavirus, at the Eva Pharma facility in Cairo, Egypt. AP Photo