Middle East & North Africa Economics Update Can the Saudi economy manage without foreign workers? The announcement by Saudi Arabia’s government that foreign worker visas will not be renewed beyond six years will be a major blow for the country’s private sector. If the plans are implemented, there... 31st May 2011 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Update How much will foreign aid help Egypt? Recent reports of a G8 ‘Marshal Plan’, as well as pledges of financial aid and investment from the Gulf, US and Europe, have contributed to a rally in Egypt’s stock market in recent weeks, which has... 27th May 2011 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Update What is the impact of a fall in tourism revenues? The fall in tourism revenues in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region will have serious economic implications in the near term. Even if visitor numbers start to increase (as political... 25th May 2011 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Update What are the implications of expanding the GCC? The Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) decision to invite Jordan and Morocco to join shows the Council’s determination to ensure the political survival of the two remaining (and friendly) Arab... 11th May 2011 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Update How will the Syrian crisis affect the Middle East? The rapidly deteriorating political situation in Syria will undoubtedly worsen the economic conditions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Admittedly, the country’s GDP amounted to less... 28th April 2011 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Update Will foreign aid help Jordan’s struggling economy? Faced with the prospects of the growing social unrest, the Jordanian government had little choice but to increase food and fuel subsidies this year, and reduce taxes (on some food and fuel products)... 20th April 2011 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Update The economic implications of Saudi Arabia's latest stimulus The scale of Friday’s announced fiscal boost in Saudi Arabia will have significant medium-term economic implications for the Middle East region. Admittedly, the direct beneficiaries will be Saudi... 21st March 2011 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Update Why is the Bahrain crisis so important for the Middle East? The deteriorating political situation in Bahrain may have very serious economic consequences for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Admittedly, the country’s economy is minor and it... 15th March 2011 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Update Will Saudi Arabia's latest stimulus be enough? Saudi Arabia’s latest fiscal boost is important but not the only reason why the country is unlikely to face civil unrest soon. In fact, much of the $36 billion announced yesterday was already part of... 24th February 2011 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Update Middle Eastern states still need Western allies At first glance, the West looks set to be amongst the biggest losers from the political turmoil hitting the Arab world. The toppled regimes in Egypt and Tunisia were staunch Western allies. The same... 22nd February 2011 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Update What are Egypt's prospects after Mubarak? Following the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak on Friday, Egypt has only taken the first step to economic prosperity and political plurality. The work does not end with the departure of the ex... 15th February 2011 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Update Initial thoughts on the economic impact of the Egyptian crisis As the global fall-out from the Egyptian crisis subsides, at least for now, the local economy’s problems are only just beginning. The current regime is clearly gearing up for a fight to remain in... 8th February 2011 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Update Some Q&A on the fall-out from Egypt We have spent much of the last week fielding questions about the events in Egypt and their global implications. This note summarises our answers. Those wanting further detail and more regular coverage... 3rd February 2011 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Update Is Saudi Arabia next? Events in Egypt are unfolding quickly and further political change looks inevitable. An orderly transition of power is still possible and would ensure that the current disruption to markets in the... 2nd February 2011 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Update How serious is the Egyptian crisis? Events in Egypt are unfolding quickly and further political change looks inevitable. An orderly transition of power is still possible and would ensure that the current disruption to markets in the... 31st January 2011 · 1 min read
