Middle East Economic Review 2010
Cover Story
Middle East Economic Review 2010: Industrial countries spur region's growth
The recent volatility on the world’s capital markets, triggered by concerns over the ability of leading European economies to meet their sovereign debt obligations, is a reminder that fundamental weaknesses remain in the financial system
Rest of supplement
Oman sets out a vision for economic growth
With low levels of state debt and a relatively diversified economy, Oman will rebound from the global financial crisis in good shape, but its lack of easily accessible gas reserves will constrict its development
Lack of economic reform stifles Yemen
Economic concerns outweigh security issues in the Arab world’s poorest country
Egypt's economy shows resilience during financial crisis
Economic diversification and strong domestic demand has helped the country reduce the impact of the global crisis
Government expenditure keeps Saudi Arabia's economy on track
High government expenditure has driven the Saudi economy through the global economic downturn, providing a stimulus for growth in both hydrocarbons and the non-oil private sector
The UAE's economy: a tale of two cities in 2010
Buoyant oil prices have restored Abu Dhabi’s prospects, following its contraction in the wake of the global economic slowdown, but slow growth in Dubai continues to put a brake on the UAE’s recovery
Maghreb weathers the economic downturn
Strong hydrocarbon revenues in Algeria and Libya and more resilient production sectors in Morocco and Tunisia helped bring the diverse Maghreb economies through the credit crisis relatively unscathed
Syria must follow Jordan’s economic example
In Jordan, King Abdullah has implemented economic reforms to open up the country’s economy and encourage inward investment. It is an example that its neighbour, Syria, would do well to emulate
Economic reform is key to Lebanon’s future
A plan for reducing Lebanon’s debt pile through economic reforms and privatisation of state-owned utilities was set out in the Paris III agenda, but the government is yet to achieve the consensus to deliver it
Maghreb weathers the economic downturn
Strong hydrocarbon revenues in Algeria and Libya and more resilient production sectors in Morocco and Tunisia helped bring the diverse Maghreb economies through the credit crisis relatively unscathed
Egypt's economy shows resilience during financial crisis
Economic diversification and strong domestic demand has helped the country reduce the impact of the global crisis
Lack of economic reform stifles Yemen
Economic concerns outweigh security issues in the Arab world’s poorest country
The UAE's economy: a tale of two cities in 2010
Buoyant oil prices have restored Abu Dhabi’s prospects, following its contraction in the wake of the global economic slowdown, but slow growth in Dubai continues to put a brake on the UAE’s recovery
Government expenditure keeps Saudi Arabia's economy on track
High government expenditure has driven the Saudi economy through the global economic downturn, providing a stimulus for growth in both hydrocarbons and the non-oil private sector
Hydrocarbon money fuels diversification projects in Qatar
Despite doubts about the prices it will find for its liquefied natural gas, the outlook appears bright for Qatar as its growing hydrocarbons economy delivers a war chest to invest in diversification projects
Oman sets out a vision for economic growth
With low levels of state debt and a relatively diversified economy, Oman will rebound from the global financial crisis in good shape, but its lack of easily accessible gas reserves will constrict its development
Kuwait reaches to unlock economic potential
Frustrated by internal wrangling, the Kuwaiti government has taken the first serious steps towards major reforms and diversification of the country’s economy. Implementing them will be the challenge
Rapid development is vital to Iraq
Political and internal stability will depend on Baghdad’s ability to increase oil exports to pay for reconstruction and on its ability to distribute the revenues around the country
Iran struggles to cut subsidies
If Iran is to become self-sufficient and have a fair and competitive market, its plan to cut state subsidies and introduce real market prices must go ahead, in spite of a likely angry backlash from the public
Manama continues to trail blaze in infrastructure, banking and finance
The island kingdom’s lack of oil and gas resources has made it resourceful in other areas and it has made pioneering advances in developing its infrastructure, banking and finance, and a diversified economy
Middle East and North Africa states are coping with financial crisis
Masood Ahmed, director of the International Monetary Fund Middle East and Central Asia department, assesses the prospects for the Middle East and North Africa as the region recovers from the downturn
Follow us if you want to interact with MEED, telling us you agree or disagree with our views, read the opinions of our journalists when they are travelling around the Middle East, or to simply have a live update of selected MEED news and blogs.
