Economy
Middle East economy news and analysis, tenders, contracts awarded, commentary and economic data.
Economic Review 2011
Middle East Economic Review 2011: Concerns over instability in the Middle East return
After the global economic crisis, the fiscal forecast for the Middle East was upbeat. Then political unrest swept the region. Growth for most countries now looks to be an even longer uphill struggle
News
Doha misses out on 2020 Olympics Games
Qatar bid rejected as International Olympic Committee cuts candidate city list from five to three
European Bank for Reconstruction & Development to invest in region
Lender to invest $1.3bn in Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Jordan
Egyptians go to the polls to elect new president
Elections to take place on 23 and 24 May
Iran sanctions to have moderate impact on Dubai trade
Decline in bilateral trade likely to arise from economic hardship and trade finance issues
Sovereign wealth funds focus on local investments
Region’s sovereign wealth funds pull back from international markets
Economic outlook for Dubai looking brighter
Emirate is benefiting from the Arab uprisings and regional infrastructure boom
Abu Dhabi slowdown is positive in the long term
The frustrations experienced by contractors in 2011 could be positive for the future, says senior economist
Tripoli to freeze assets of 300 Gaddafi associates
List includes Gaddafi family members and individuals with business ties
Analysis
Interview with Mustafa el-Huni, deputy chairman, National Transitional Council
The deputy head of Libya interim ruling government discusses the challenges facing the soon to be elected National Congress and plans for the NTC to disband
Middle East at the ballot
Twelve elections of varying significance held after the Arab uprisings began in December 2010
Video interview: with Egypt Ministry of Finance official
Bassel Shoriah says public private partnerships stable in Egypt
Egypt faces looming energy crisis after Israeli gas rift
Cairo must secure much-needed foreign investment to halt a steady deterioration of its capacity to export gas
Gulf uses sport to build brands
Investments are aimed at creating international reputations and driving tourism
Oil prices hide fiscal vulnerabilities
Relying on high oil prices could cause problems in the future for producing countries
Comment
Qatar and Shell interests align
There are striking similarities between Shell’s business activities and Doha’s strategic gas priorities
Economic Data
Click on the country name to see more economic and demographic data.
| Country | 2010 | 2011f | 2012f |
| 3.3 | 3.6 | 3.2 | |
| 4.1 | 3.1 | 5.1 | |
| Egypt | 5.1 | 1 | 4 |
| Gaza/ West Bank | 9.3 | 9 | 10 |
| Iran | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Iraq | 0.8 | 9.6 | 12.6 |
| Jordan | 3.1 | 3.3 | 3.9 |
| Kuwait | 2 | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Lebanon | 7.5 | 2.5 | 5 |
| Libya | 4.2 | na | na |
| Morocco | 3.2 | 3.9 | 4.6 |
| Oman | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.1 |
| Qatar | 16.3 | 20 | 7.1 |
| Saudi Arabia | 3.7 | 7.5 | 3 |
| Sudan | 5.1 | 4.7 | 5.6 |
| Syria | 3.2 | 3 | 5.1 |
| Tunisia | 3.7 | 1.3 | 5.6 |
| UAE | 3.2 | 3.3 | 3.8 |
| Yemen | 8 | 3.4 | 4 |
|
f=forecast;
na=Not Available. Source: IMF |
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Country Report
Qatar Special Report: Hotel occupancy comes under pressure
Committed to supplying 90,000 hotel rooms in time for hosting the World Cup in 2022, Doha is making good progress in getting new hotels built
