Saudi share of Gulf economy rose to almost 50% in 2020

Saudi share of Gulf economy rose to almost 50% in 2020

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia increased its share of the GCC economy to almost half in 2020 as it weathered the COVID-19 pandemic better than its neighboring Arab states. The Kingdom's made up 49. 8 percent of the bloc's economy in 2020, up from 48. 4 percent in 2019, Al Eqtisadiah newspaper reported, citing data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Gulf statistical agencies. Nominal gross domestic product (GDP) for the six GCC countries fell 14. 3 percent in 2020 to $1. 41 trillion, while Saudi GDP contracted 11. 8 percent to $700. 1 billion. The UAE's economy shrank 15. 9 percent to $354. 3 billion, representing 25. 2 percent of GCC output. Qatar had the third largest regional economy in 2020. It shrank 16. 9 percent to $146. 1 billion, representing 10. 4 percent of GCC GDP. RIYADH: Vegetable traders and wholesalers in Saudi Arabia have blamed over-buying by consumers for price rises during the first days of Ramadan. Prices have now returned to normal after doubling in some cases following a flurry of purchases at the beginning of the holy month, they told Al Watan newspaper. The increase in vegetable prices was limited to 6 or 7 local agricultural