The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies demonstrated a strong performance in the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest data released by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat). The region’s nominal GDP surged to $588.1 billion, marking a 5.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Real GDP also saw a notable rise, reaching $466.2 billion, with an annual growth rate of 3.0%. This upward trend underscores the region’s ongoing economic stability and commitment to sustainable development. The oil sector remained the largest contributor to GDP at 22.9%, followed by manufacturing (12.7%) and wholesale and retail trade (9.6%). Other activities accounted for 26.7% of the total GDP, highlighting the success of economic diversification initiatives. The report emphasized that these positive results reflect the GCC countries’ continued efforts to enhance non-oil sectors, ensuring long-term economic stability and growth.
标签： Africa
非洲
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India defies tariff turbulence, set to outpace major economies with 6.6pc growth: IMF
India is poised to maintain its status as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projecting a robust growth rate of 6.6% for the fiscal year 2025–26. This upward revision, from the previous forecast of 6.5%, highlights India’s economic resilience in the face of global trade uncertainties and rising protectionism. The IMF’s latest Regional Economic Outlook for Asia attributes this momentum to strong second-quarter performance and the successful implementation of GST 2.0 reforms, which have enhanced tax compliance, formalisation, and fiscal efficiency. Despite challenges posed by higher US tariffs, India’s diversified growth base—driven by services exports, infrastructure investment, digital transformation, and domestic consumption—is expected to cushion the impact. In contrast, China’s GDP growth is projected to moderate to 4.8% in 2025, weighed down by structural property-sector issues and weak domestic demand. The broader Asia-Pacific region is forecast to expand by 4.5%, contributing nearly 60% of global output growth. The IMF cautioned that Asia’s economic momentum could soften due to the ripple effects of US tariff hikes, which are already prompting exporters to front-load shipments. However, India’s reforms, including GST 2.0, improved logistics, and fiscal prudence, are expected to sustain medium-term expansion. The IMF also emphasised the need for Asian policymakers to deepen regional integration, reduce trade barriers, and improve productivity through better capital allocation. By 2026, India is projected to account for over 18% of Asia’s GDP expansion and nearly a fifth of global incremental growth, solidifying its role as a key pillar of stability and optimism in the region.
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Sudan’s RSF says takes full control of Darfur’s El-Fasher
In a significant development in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced on Sunday, October 26, 2025, that it has seized full control of El-Fasher, the last major urban center in western Darfur previously outside its dominion. The RSF, in an official statement, declared it had ‘liberated the city of El-Fasher from the clutches of mercenaries and militias,’ a reference to the Sudanese army, which has been its adversary since April 2023. The capture of El-Fasher marks a pivotal moment in the protracted struggle for dominance in the region. However, the claim remains unverified, as AFP could not independently confirm the development, and the Sudanese army and its allies have yet to issue any response. The RSF’s assertion underscores the escalating tensions and shifting dynamics in Sudan’s civil unrest, with Darfur remaining a critical battleground. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, as the conflict threatens to further destabilize the region and exacerbate humanitarian crises.
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Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane: Abu Dhabi fans furious after UFC 321 Main Event ends in No Contest
The highly anticipated UFC 321 main event between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena ended in frustration and controversy. The fight, which drew over 13,000 fans, was abruptly halted in the first round due to an accidental eye poke from Gane, leaving Aspinall unable to continue. Referee Jason Herzog declared the bout a no contest, sparking boos and disappointment from the crowd. Aspinall, visibly distressed, was immediately attended to by medical staff and later sent to the hospital for further evaluation. UFC President Dana White expressed his disappointment but confirmed plans for an immediate rematch. The incident has reignited discussions about fighter safety and the rules surrounding accidental fouls in MMA. With the heavyweight division in flux following Jon Jones’ retirement, the rematch between Aspinall and Gane is now one of the most anticipated fights in the sport.
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Selena Gomez releases new song ‘In The Dark’ from ‘Nobody Wants This Season 2’ soundtrack
Selena Gomez has once again captivated her fans with the release of her latest single, ‘In The Dark,’ which is part of the soundtrack for the second season of ‘Nobody Wants This.’ The song, accompanied by its official music video, was directed by Luke Orlando and features Gomez in an all-black ensemble, traversing expansive, open spaces while delivering a heartfelt message about love and resilience during challenging times. The soundtrack also includes contributions from renowned artists such as Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, and Finneas, making it a diverse and compelling musical collection. Following the release, Gomez took to Instagram to share a snippet of the video, expressing her hope that the song would evoke a sense of nostalgia among her listeners. This release follows her collaborative album ‘I Said I Loved You First’ with her husband, Benny Blanco, which earlier this year chronicled their romantic journey. The ‘Nobody Wants This Season 2’ soundtrack comprises 19 tracks and is currently available for streaming alongside the show’s second season.
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Abu Dhabi: Doctor wins Dh318,690 over unpaid wages, gratuity in labour dispute
In a landmark labor dispute case, the Abu Dhabi Court of Cassation has upheld a ruling in favor of a medical professional against her former employer, a medical center in Abu Dhabi. The court confirmed that the employee is entitled to a net payment of Dh168,690 after offsetting amounts owed to the employer. The case, which began with the employee filing for unpaid wages, vacation allowance, and end-of-service gratuity, has seen multiple legal proceedings since its inception. The employee, who joined the medical center on a fixed-term contract in October 2022, resigned in December 2024, citing breach of contract by the employer. The medical center filed a counterclaim seeking Dh150,000 as notice allowance and Dh300,000 for alleged damages caused by the employee’s professional shortcomings. The Court of First Instance initially ruled in favor of the employee, ordering the medical center to pay Dh392,708. However, the Court of Appeal later amended this ruling, reducing the amount to Dh318,690 while upholding the counterclaim. The Court of Cassation dismissed the employee’s final appeal, stating that the appellate court had correctly applied the law and assessed the evidence. This ruling brings the protracted legal battle to a close, setting a precedent for labor disputes in the UAE.
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New ‘retail sukuk’ initiative: UAE residents can buy govt bonds from just Dh4,000
The UAE has introduced a groundbreaking ‘Retail Sukuk’ initiative, enabling citizens and residents to invest in sovereign-backed Islamic financial instruments with a minimum investment of just Dh4,000. Announced by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, this initiative aims to democratize access to public-sector financing while fostering a culture of saving and financial inclusion. The retail version of the government’s T-Sukuk programme allows individual investors to lend money to the federal government through Shariah-compliant instruments, receiving periodic profit payments and the face value at maturity. Previously reserved for institutional investors, this rollout marks a significant shift in the UAE’s financial-market architecture. The initiative aligns with the leadership’s vision of empowering individuals, promoting economic participation, and strengthening the domestic debt capital market. For residents, this offers a secure, government-guaranteed investment channel, diversifying savings beyond conventional deposits or real estate. The first participating bank is set to be announced on November 3, 2025. The broader public policy implications include enhancing financial inclusion, reducing reliance on foreign-currency debt, and reinforcing the UAE’s capital-market infrastructure. This initiative represents a strategic move to deepen the financial-market architecture while providing accessible investment opportunities for everyday residents.
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Dubai teen cremated after cardiac arrest on Diwali; tributes pour in
The tragic passing of Vaishnav Krishnakumar, an 18-year-old Dubai resident, has left his family, friends, and community in mourning. Vaishnav, a first-year student at Middlesex University and a former pupil of GEMS Our Own Indian School, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during a Diwali celebration on Tuesday. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he could not be saved. His final rites were conducted on Saturday afternoon in his hometown of Alappuzha, Kerala, surrounded by grieving family members. The family had arrived in Kerala earlier that morning after a heart-wrenching journey from Dubai. On Friday evening, hundreds of parents, teachers, and friends gathered at an embalming center in Al Muhaisnah to pay their respects. Attendees described the atmosphere as overwhelmingly emotional, with many sharing heartfelt memories of Vaishnav’s positive influence on their lives. Social media has been flooded with tributes, with friends and acquaintances recalling his kindness, leadership, and ability to inspire others. His school and university also posted touching messages, with the school postponing several events in his honor. Vaishnav is survived by his mother, Vidhu, a STEAM teacher at GEMS Our Own Indian School, and his eight-year-old sister.
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‘Victory doesn’t see gender’: Meet first UAE woman to compete for world powerboat title
In a groundbreaking achievement, Alya Abdulsalam has become the first Emirati woman to compete in the Formula 4 Powerboat World Championship, held in Norway and Italy. This milestone not only marks a personal triumph for Alya but also signifies a significant step forward for Emirati women in sports. Her journey began on the shores of the UAE, where her father, Abdulsalam Fairouz, organized major championships, igniting her passion for water sports. Alya’s love for the sea and her adventurous spirit were nurtured from a young age, watching her father’s dedication to the sport. This summer, she took the wheel for the first time in Tønsberg, Norway, where she demonstrated her ability to handle high-speed powerboats, leading her father to establish a team for her. Despite initial skepticism and social media doubts, Alya’s participation in the UAE Championship turned skeptics into admirers. Her success is attributed to her fitness, focus, and quick reflexes, which helped her achieve sixth place in her last race. Alya’s participation in the World Championship, where she finished 11th out of 17 boats and ranked 19th worldwide, is seen as an Arab achievement for ambitious girls. She credits her father, the UAE Marine Sports Federation, the Ministry of Sports, and other supporters for her success. Alya’s message to young girls is clear: ‘Don’t hesitate to take the leap. Passion and determination are the real fuel for success.’ Her father, Abdulsalam, known as ‘Abu Alya,’ proudly watches as his daughter carries forward the legacy of Emirati sports, sailing steadily toward greatness.
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Rebel group claims capture of Sudan army headquarters in key city
The Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has claimed a significant victory in the nation’s ongoing civil war by capturing the army headquarters in the besieged city of el-Fasher. This marks a pivotal moment in the conflict, as el-Fasher was the last major stronghold of government forces in the Darfur region. The RSF announced on social media that it had destroyed large military vehicles and seized equipment at the 6th Division Headquarters, a claim corroborated by BBC Verify through verified videos showing RSF fighters inside the base. The loss of this strategic location deals a severe blow to the Sudanese army, which has yet to issue a formal response. The RSF has surrounded el-Fasher for 18 months, subjecting the city to relentless bombardment and trapping an estimated 300,000 civilians. Satellite imagery from August revealed extensive earthen walls constructed around the city, effectively trapping residents. Hunger and disease have spread rapidly due to dwindling food and medical supplies. The RSF has been accused by UN investigators of committing crimes against humanity, with the US alleging genocide against Darfur’s non-Arab population. Since the conflict began in 2023, over 150,000 people have died, and 12 million have been displaced, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The RSF now controls nearly all of Darfur and much of the Kordofan region, with plans to establish a rival government in el-Fasher. The Sudanese army retains control over northern and eastern regions, but its grip on Darfur has effectively ended. The situation in el-Fasher remains dire, with civilians enduring unimaginable suffering as the conflict escalates.