The economic program focuses on the economies of Bahrain and the Arabian Gulf region, covering the macro-economy, economic development, energy and labour markets.
In the last five years especially, the government of Saudi Arabia has taken substantive steps to get women into the workforce. Dr. Omar Al Ubaydli notes that 'the variety and depth of the reforms is remarkable, and indicates a methodical approach to reversing one of the lowest rates in the world' ........
Gulf countries have announced $125 billion of new projects during the first half of 2019. Dr. Omar Al-Ubaydli looks into the pros and cons of investments into such construction projects and at whether these will reap economic benefits further down the line.
The latest strategic study from DERASAT by Abdulaziz Al Doseri, looks into the recent cooperation between Russia and OPEC which has come to be known as OPEC+; the study analyzes the nature of this relationship and its genesis.
With Boris Johnson expected to be voted in as prime minister, Dr. Omar Al Ubaydli looks at how the victory will increase the likelihood of a no-deal Brexit, and potentially present new economic opportunities for the Gulf states.
As part of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has been offering many countries foreign aid in the guise of loans to build critical infrastructure. Dr. Omar Al Ubaidly discusses the impacts of this policy .....
As the technology revolution sweeps through all aspects of our lives, how is it impacting the world of education? Analyst, Ghada Abdulla looks at how Bahrain is adapting its education system to embrace these changes for the future .
The importance of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are discussed by Dr. Omar Al Ubaidydli following the recent Gulf-German Forum on security and cooperation, organized by the German Federal Academy for Security Policy and the German-Arab Friendship Association
As the Federal Reserve gets ready to cut interest rates, Analyst, Abdulaziz AlDosseri, looks back to the 2008 global financial crisis and the importance of interest rates to financial markets, currencies and commodities.
Following an article that sampled civic honesty, Dr. Omar Al Ubaydli notes the importance of trust and honesty to a thriving economy. The article ranked a sample of 40 countries in civic honesty, where people voluntarily refrain from opportunistic behavior and which saw Arab and Islamic countries dominate the lowest rankings.
As Bahrain gears up to focus on becoming a knowledge-based economy, analyst, Ghada Abdullah looks into what this means for Bahrain and how it can be achieved.
For the second consecutive year, Finland topped the list of the happiest countries in the world. Analyst, Ghada Abdulla, looks into the reasons behind this continuing phenomenon....
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 ......
Following the New York Times editorial board recently published editorial bemoaning corporations’ continued interest in investing in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Omar AlUbaydli in Al Arabiya provides some additional context on what makes Saudi Arabia eye-catching to foreign investors.
Many natural resource-dependent countries have tried to restructure government finances in the wake of falling commodity prices, with little success. Dr. Omar AlUbaydli discusses the goals of Bahrain’s Fiscal Balance Program and at the factors that may serve to increase the likelihood of success.
In late March 2019, the global ride-hailing giant Uber announced its acquisition of its Middle-Eastern competitor, Careem; Dr. Omar Al-Ubaydli discusses the implications....
Lack of financial literacy and a worrying trend of personal debt are discussed by Dr. Omar Al-Ubaydli in his latest article for 'The National'.
Dr. Omar Al-Ubaydli discusses why President Trump's fight against a trade deficit maybe misguided.
Dr. Omar talk about how the openness of the Gulf economy boosts productivity.
