The report highlights the economic outlook for Middle Eastern cities, forecasting that by 2040, three cities in the region will emerge as Urban Economic Powerhouses: Tehran, Dammam, and Tel Aviv. Tehran's GDP is expected to reach just under $1.3 billion by 2040, driven by sectors supporting its large population. The report also discusses the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Middle Eastern cities, with Beirut being the worst affected due to a continuing economic crisis. In 2021, all cities except Beirut established a strong start to their economic recovery, with more than half of major cities already above pre-pandemic levels.
