GCC government spending to pass $542bn this year

GCC government revenues in 2025 totalled $487.8bn, while expenditures reached $542.1bn, resulting in an estimated deficit of $54.3bn, according to the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf.

According to data released by the Centre, government revenues in GCC countries are directly affected by global oil prices, as oil revenues constitute the largest share of financial resources.

Countries follow a conservative approach in calculating the break-even oil price to estimate their general budgets, avoiding international economic fluctuations and variations in global oil prices.

GCC public spending

Government revenues are expected to remain relatively stable, as oil prices remain at moderate to high levels.

Most GCC countries have also projected an increase in their spending in 2025 compared to their 2024 spending estimates.

This increase is a determinant of growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council economies in general, and is directed towards completing infrastructure projects and stimulating growth in some economic sectors, to implement strategic development plans.

Meanwhile, Gulf countries plan to finance budget deficits by drawing on reserves and borrowing domestically and abroad.