Trends
Analysis of the latest market trends in the Middle East.
Trends
UAE driving Mena oil and gas spending
Spending in second quarter looks likely to outstrip first as major offshore deals are awarded
Regulation to increase Oman aggregate prices
Government is trying to resolve issue of illegal quarrying
The oil price balancing act in the Middle East
Middle East governments need even higher oil prices to help balance their state budgets
Commodity super cycle on verge of downward trend
Analysts predicting 2013-14 could be the start of lower prices for commodities such as oil and gas
Saudi Arabia spearheads GCC industrial expansion
Region’s largest economy leads and Kuwait lags as GCC invests in industrial diversification
National Water Company to invest $13bn on new projects
The Saudi firm will expand the kingdom’s water and wastewater infrastructure
Dubai strengthens role as gold and diamond hub
Volumes of precious metals and gems traded in Dubai likely to increase throughout 2013
Iraq leads drive to add new downstream capacity
There are $37.4bn worth of refinery projects planned
Middle East steel demand set to surge in 2014
Uncertainty over major steel projects could leave region a significant importer over next decade
Region steps up military spending
Defence expenditure in Middle East and North Africa rose in 2012 as global spending declined
Rising passenger traffic drives transfer to new Dubai airport
Dubai World Central to welcome passenger flights in October
Basra Gas Company starts operations and plans major tenders
Five major rehabilitation projects planned for 2013
Gulf best positioned to capture petrochemicals growth
Despite US feedstock becoming more competitive, GCC retains access to key growth markets
Oman oil and gas project market in strong start to year
Over $500m in contracts awarded in first quarter but landmark projects to come later in year
Credit growth still rising although bankers complain of dearth of new deals
Bank lending still growing but emphasis shifting to more profitable retail loans
UAE banks set to focus on repaying government bonds
Lenders find less expensive source of funding in capital markets
Abu Dhabi takes over as UAE's strongest market
Louvre and Fairmont awards drive strong start to 2013
Riyadh opens way for boom in mortgage lending
New real estate lending laws will help long-term development
GCC power sector awards down in 2012
Saudi Arabia remains region’s most lucrative power projects market
Cost of living in Syria spirals out of control
Inflation has soared in Syria as fighting intensifies, making life harder for civilians caught in the crossfire
First quarter energy contracts driven by UAE
Abu Dhabi offshore developments to dominate first-quarter projects market with spending of up to $10bn
Inflation risks social unrest
Oil exporters will increase subsidises to contain inflation, but other governments are likely to struggle
Oil prices expected to dip in 2013
Outlook still positive despite experts predicting slight fall in both WTI and Brent benchmark oil prices
Saudi Arabia spends $4bn on industrial projects in 2012
Riyadh’s industrial diversification plans continue to take shape
Top 100 Middle East Projects
Positive outlook for construction activity in 2013 as value of biggest projects planned across the region jumps 42 per cent
