IMF chief warns Saudi attacks could send economic shockwaves worldwide
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned that attacks on Saudi Arabia could have negative economic spillovers worldwide, citing the kingdom’s importance to the region and global economy. Houthi strikes on Riyadh’s international airport killed 13 people and suspended operations, while the IMF says higher energy costs and debt pressures are testing the global economy’s resilience.
Bottom line — The IMF raised its 2026 global growth forecast to 3.1%, but says the resilience behind that outlook is reaching its limits.
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AFP reported that the airport attack was the worst since 2015.
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The IMF’s World Economic Outlook raised its 2026 global growth forecast by 0.1 percentage points to 3.1%.
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The IMF said debt-servicing costs have climbed from around 6% of government revenues a decade ago to 14% today.
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Georgieva urged governments to raise revenues, rationalise spending and improve public financial management.
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She said China needs to spend more, the US to save more and Europe to invest more.
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Asharq Al-Awsat reported the IMF expects Middle East and Central Asian economies to contract by 0.3% in 2026, then grow by 6.3% in 2027.
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Ajel English reported Georgieva said Saudi reforms and diversification had built buffers against economic shocks.