Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt: how big Arab economies could be by 2040

What will the Arab world's economic map look like in 2040? The World Economic League Table 2026, published by Cebr (a British economics and business research centre), expects notable growth across Arab economies. Here is how the biggest ones line up.

1. Saudi Arabia stays on top

Saudi Arabia is forecast to keep the Arab lead, with GDP reaching about $2.89 trillion by 2040. That would put it 17th in the world.

2. The UAE comes second

The Emirates are projected at roughly $1.41 trillion. That would make it the 26th-largest economy globally, and the second-largest in the Arab world.

3. Egypt takes third place

Egypt is expected to reach $869 billion. That is the third-largest Arab economy in the report's ranking.

4. Iraq follows with $699 billion

Iraq is fourth on the list. The forecast puts its GDP at about $699 billion in 2040.

5. Algeria is next at $526 billion

Algeria comes in fifth among Arab countries. Its projected GDP is $526 billion.

6. Qatar reaches $500 billion

Qatar is forecast to hit around $500 billion. That puts it just behind Algeria in the Arab ranking.

7. Morocco heads for $389 billion

Morocco's GDP is expected to reach $389 billion by 2040. That is seventh among the Arab economies listed.

8. Kuwait and Oman close the list

Kuwait is projected at $322 billion and Oman at $260 billion. They round out the Arab economies named in the report.

One important caveat: the figures are GDP at current prices, measured in US dollars. They show the expected nominal size of each economy, not living standards or GDP per person.