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Cyprus GDP to Grow 3.7% in 2024—Here’s What to Expect in 2025-2026

Cyprus’ economy gained momentum in 2024, with real GDP growth revised up to 3.7%, an upward adjustment of 0.2 percentage points, according to the latest Economic Outlook from the Economics Research Centre (CypERC) at the University of Cyprus. Growth is projected to remain solid but moderate in the coming years, with forecasts of 3.3% in 2025 and 3% in 2026.

Economic Drivers Behind The Growth

The upward revision is attributed to stronger-than-expected performance in Q3 2024, alongside positive economic indicators in Q4. The labour market’s resilience, disinflationary trends, and monetary policy easing in the eurozone have further bolstered the outlook.

Other forecasts align with this trajectory. The Central Bank of Cyprus estimates 3.7% GDP growth in 2024, while the European Commission projects 3.6%. Looking ahead to 2025, both institutions anticipate a deceleration, with the Central Bank forecasting 3% and the European Commission predicting 2.8%. In 2026, the Central Bank expects a slight uptick to 3.1%, whereas the European Commission foresees a continued slowdown to 2.5%.

Inflation And Market Conditions

Inflation is expected to remain subdued, with CPI inflation forecast at 1.7% in 2025, a 0.4 percentage point drop from previous estimates due to lower-than-expected inflation in late 2024. For 2026, inflation is projected to edge lower to 1.6%.

Key factors shaping the inflation outlook include:

  • Falling international oil prices
  • A slowdown in inflation during H2 2024
  • Restrictive financing conditions
  • Lower selling price expectations, particularly in services

Risks And Uncertainties

CypERC highlights downside risks to the growth outlook, particularly amid rising geopolitical tensions and uncertainties in global trade policies. Conversely, inflation risks remain tilted to the upside, as external shocks and supply chain disruptions could drive price pressures higher.

As Cyprus navigates 2025 and beyond, the economy remains on a steady expansion path, though global and regional developments will play a crucial role in shaping its trajectory.

Forbes Middle East Unveils 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen Of 2025

Forbes Middle East has unveiled its much-anticipated 2025 ranking of the region’s top businesswomen, spotlighting influential leaders reshaping industries and driving meaningful transformation. The list was based on business size, individual accomplishments, leadership impact, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Top Spot For Hana Al Rostamani

For the third consecutive year, Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank (UAE’s largest bank by assets), claims the top position. In addition to retaining her position in the Forbes Middle East ranking, she was also featured on Forbes’ 2024 list of the World’s Most Powerful Women, securing the 60th position globally. Under her leadership, the bank achieved an impressive $3.5 billion in net profits and $334.8 billion in assets in the first nine months of 2024.

Rising Stars In The Top 10

Shaikha Khaled Al Bahar of NBK Group and Shaista Asif, cofounder and Group CEO of PureHealth Holding, take the second and third spots respectively, completing the top three.

The top 10 remains largely unchanged from last year, with Tayba Al Hashemi of ADNOC Offshore, Alisha Moopen of Aster DM Healthcare GCC, and Suzanne Al Anani of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) making their debut in the top 10. In total, 27 new leaders have joined the list this year.

A Diverse And Powerful Group Of Women

This year’s list features 100 women from 32 sectors and 29 nationalities, underlining the diversity of talent driving the region’s progress. The banking and financial services sector leads with 25 entries, followed by healthcare and technology with nine each, and venture capital with five. Remarkably, 40% of the top 10 women are from the banking and financial services sector. Notably, Shaista Asif (PureHealth Holding) and Alisha Moopen (Aster DM Healthcare GCC) are the only non-Arab women in the top 10.

UAE Leads With 46 Leaders

The UAE continues to dominate, with 46 of the women on the list hailing from the country, solidifying its status as a global business hub. Egypt follows with 18 influential women, and Saudi Arabia claims nine entries. Egyptians lead in representation, followed by Emiratis and Lebanese women.

Empowering Women Through Initiatives

Several of the leaders have focused on upskilling and creating opportunities for women. Susana Rodriguez Puerta launched the ‘sAIdaty’ initiative in collaboration with the Dubai Business Women Council, aimed at providing 500 female council members in the UAE with AI skills. Similarly, Lamia Tazi of SOTHEMA collaborated with the Foundation for Research, Development, and Innovation in Science and Engineering to provide scholarships to PhD students from low-income backgrounds.

Click here for the full list.

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