Iraq’s macroeconomic metrics waver

30 May 2024

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Sources: IMF (April 2024), MEED Projects, MEED


MEED's June 2024 market focus on Iraq includes:

> COMMENT: Baghdad faces mounting pressure
> GOVERNMENT: Al Sudani struggles to maintain Iraq’s political stability

> ECONOMY: Iraq economic revival faces headwinds
> SECURITY: Iraq gas field attack to impact projects
> OIL & GAS: Iraqi oil and gas projects activity dips, but holds
> POWER: Iraq electricity sector makes slow progress
> CONSTRUCTION: Iraq steps up post-war revival


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    Dubai Municipality said the project will also include additional land uses and community-focused amenities as part of broader sustainability and urban integration objectives.

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