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Saudi fiscal constraints may undercut structural shift

Location:

SAUDI ARABIA

The fact that state salaries in the first half of 2020 exceeded total oil revenue underlines the scale of the task -- and the difficulty of achieving fiscal goals without major…

Gulf economies are on a stable track despite risks

Location:

GULF STATES

The IMF has revised downwards its forecast for Saudi GDP growth in 2024 to 2.7% but raised its 2025 forecast to 5.5%. This reflects a positive medium-term outlook for the Gulf…

Mideast states will show mixed progress on renewables

Location:

MIDDLE EAST

The project aims to generate up to 200 gigawatts by 2030, creating 100,000 jobs in Saudi Arabia. Renewable energy was also a key focus in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), at its…

The Gulf will lag on climate action, despite exposure

Location:

GULF STATES

On the same day, opening speakers in a high-profile forum in Abu Dhabi highlighted the emirate’s commitment to renewable energy. Despite the rhetoric and their own vulnerability…

Prospects for the Gulf states in 2020

Location:

PROSPECTS 2020

Prospects for the Gulf states in 2020.

Oil and gas prices boost Oman's financial position

Location:

OMAN

The Gulf state’s finances had been under pressure for some time, with steadily rising debt levels and only fitful progress towards economic diversification. It can now look…

Bahrain will press ahead with deeper economic reforms

Location:

BAHRAIN

The trial comes amid an escalating crackdown against domestic opposition forces. The crackdown has been presented as a response to Iranian-backed subversion, but the government…

Abu Dhabi's state-fuelled private sector may stagnate

Location:

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Major banks and investment companies have also announced planned mergers in 2016-17. The Ipsos City Index in July named Abu Dhabi the second-best place to live and work…

Foreign investment recovery may disappoint in Iran

Location:

IRAN

Following the removal of sanctions last month, the government is looking to the return of foreign direct investment to kick-start an economic recovery. However, its ambitions to…

Algeria to build and diversify energy and other ties

Location:

ALGERIA

Algeria’s traditional foreign policy of non-alignment has been tested by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It is performing a delicate balancing act, preserving close political and…