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Qatar Leads Gulf GDP Per Capita, UAE Second

7/21/2026

38 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Qatar leads the Gulf ranking with a GDP per capita (PPP) of USD 121,610 in April 2025.
The United Arab Emirates ranks second with USD 82,000 per capita (PPP) and forecasts 4.9% growth in 2025.
Saudi Arabia ranks third with USD 61,920 per capita (PPP), expects 3.8% growth in 2025, and saw its sector rise 4.9% in Q1 2025.
Kuwait ranks fourth with USD 50,960 per capita (PPP) in April 2025 and is considering borrowing for infrastructure.

History

Historical Context

The October-1973 OAPEC oil embargo forced Western buyers to pay dramatically higher prices, and at the Vienna conference OPEC lifted the posted price from $5 to $11.65 per barrel. Saudi Arabia and fellow OPEC member Qatar captured the resulting windfall, using the surge to fund massive infrastructure and sovereign-wealth programs that shape their economies today.

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Story summary

Qatar leads the Gulf ranking with a GDP per capita (PPP) of USD 121,610 in April 2025.
The United Arab Emirates ranks second with USD 82,000 per capita (PPP) and forecasts 4.9% growth in 2025.
Saudi Arabia ranks third with USD 61,920 per capita (PPP), expects 3.8% growth in 2025, and saw its sector rise 4.9% in Q1 2025.
Kuwait ranks fourth with USD 50,960 per capita (PPP) in April 2025 and is considering borrowing for infrastructure.

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