IMF: Expansion of War "Biggest Threat" to MENA Economies in 2024

Jihad Azour, Director of the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said that the economies of the Middle East are still on a promising path, if the war does not expand in the region and threaten trade routes.

In his speech at the Arab Strategic Forum in Dubai, Azour said that the risk of expanding war comes at the top of the regional threats during the current year. He warned that Lebanon and neighboring countries would be most affected if this happened.

He added, "The other risk lies in the uncertainty that other countries in the region will face, which may affect investment."