Middle East Conflict Could Cost Up to $194 Billion, 3.6 Million Jobs at Risk: UNDP
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Dubai: The ongoing conflict in the Middle East could result in economic losses of up to $194 billion and put 3.6 million jobs at risk, according to a new report by the United Nations Development Programme.
Now in its fifth week, the escalation is projected to shrink the region’s combined GDP by between 3.7% and 6%, wiping out more than the total growth recorded in 2025.
The report warns that up to 4 million people could be pushed into poverty, with the hardest impact expected in the Levant and least developed Arab nations.
UN Assistant Secretary-General Abdallah Al Dardari described the crisis as a critical turning point, urging governments to rethink economic strategies and reduce dependence on hydrocarbons.
According to the findings, the Gulf Cooperation Council and Levant regions are expected to face the steepest GDP declines—ranging from 5.2% to 8.7%—due to heavy exposure to trade disruptions and energy market volatility.
The report also highlights broader human impact, with regional human development expected to decline by up to 0.4%, setting back progress by nearly a year.
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