The International Monetary Fund cut its 2026 growth forecasts for Gulf economies, citing uneven exposure to energy markets and trade disruptions, as well as differing access to alternative oil export routes. Saudi Arabia is expected to lead regional growth at about 3.1 percent this year, supported by alternative pipeline capacity, the IMF said. The fund also sharply lowered its 2026 growth forecast for the Middle East and North Africa to 1.1 percent. [...]