MEED Yearbook 2010
Cover Story
Yearbook 2010: Growth prospects for the year ahead
Despite the negative headlines over Dubai and its mountain of debt, most of the Middle East and North Africa appears set for a year of solid growth in 2010
Rest of Supplement
2009 Review: Interview - Paul Griffiths, Dubai Airports
The man overseeing the world’s largest airport investment programme discusses the impact of the global downturn on the aviation sector, and reveals how Dubai’s long-term vision remains in place.
2009 Review: Trends - Gulf aluminium producers take advantage of low gas costs
With access to cheap gas feedstock, regional producers are boosting their capacity while rivals cut back.
2009 Review: Iran faces its biggest challenge
Allegations of electoral fraud are testing the strength of the Islamic Republic. MEED reports from Tehran.
2009 Review: Regional governments getting tough with foreign energy firms
The region’s governments are setting increasingly stringent terms for international companies.
2009 Review: Kuwaiti voters seek an end to deadlock
The results of Kuwait’s forthcoming national elections will be key to breaking the political impasse and reinvigorating its economy.
2009 Review: Baghdad back in business
International firms are seeking opportunities in Iraq as security improves and the GCC projects market slows.
2009 Review: Crown Prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa on Bahraini reform plans
The chairman of the Economic Development Board has a mission to drive through reform
2009 Review: High price of restoring economic confidence in Dubai
Dubai will avoid defaulting on its debts this year, but the emirate’s financial problems are far from over
2009 annual news review
MEED offers a news review of the some of the major events in various sectors during the year
Transport 2010: Railway building enjoys a revival in the Middle East
Countries across the region are upgrading their rail transport systems but investment in roads is lacking
Power & Water 2010: Activity picks up as banks begin lending
Power and water schemes are getting under way as project financing slowly becomes available
Energy 2010: Industry starts year in a strong position
With oil prices rising, a series of major projects will be launched in the energy sector in the year ahead
Construction 2010: Public sector offers best opportunities
The real estate market is set to remain subdued in 2010, but infrastructure projects will push ahead
Projects 2010: Market begins to recover in the region
Contract awards are expected to pick up significantly in the year ahead, with more than $500bn worth of projects currently being tendered across the region as clients take advantage of lower construction costs
Governance 2010: Iraqi, West Bank and Gaza election plans run into delays
Polls in Iraq, the West Bank and Gaza are being held back by political disputes, while those taking place in Egypt and Bahrain later in the year are unlikely to lead to significant change
Economy 2010: Middle East returns to growth
Most of the region’s economies are expected to enjoy a recovery in 2010 as oil prices stabilise and Opec increases production
Finance 2010: Reasons for cautious confidence
Banks in the region have fared well amid the global downturn but must start lending to boost business
