Dr. Omar Al-Ubaydli

Dr. Omar Al Ubaydli discusses the impacts of increasing certain wages in  noting that an increase in public sector salaries should be in a very narrow range, and should be applied in a carefully selected group of jobs….

Dr. Omar Al Ubaydli notes that Gulf countries should work toward eliminating customs taxes, switching exclusively to VAT. The primary benefit will be in opening markets for the Gulf countries’ new non-oil exports as they implement their economic visions…..

Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council just approved a special residency permit for entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled expatriates. Dr. Omar A-Ubaydli discusses this potentially positive step for the economy ……

Economists typically criticise import tariffs, because they result in higher prices for consumers.The Arabian Gulf countries have generally subscribed to this view. However, as the Gulf countries look to diversify their economies, is it time to consider imposing temporary tariffs to develop domestic industries?

In order to boost entrepreneurship, Saudi Arabia should consider following a 1950s plan used to improve the Italian economy, which was done in partnership with the US, a recent paper by Michela Giorcelli of the University of California suggested.

Omar Al Ubaydli investigates how our consumption decisions partially reflect our efforts to convey a certain social status to others,  sending a signal to our peers that we are wealthy and powerful, and that we have good taste…….