Transitioning from an oil economy to a knowledge economy
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.
The Energy Studies Program researches fossil fuel and alternative energy issues with a focus on the GCC countries and Bahrain in particular.
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.....
Securing oil supplies is one of the most important objectives of national security strategies of Western countries. Dr. Ashraf Keshk considers the security threats to global oil supplies and the implications for joint responsibilities.
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 ......
China is witnessing rapid growth in the consumption of natural gas, among other sources of energy. Analysts Abdulla Al-Abbasi and Abdulaziz Al-Dosari discuss some of the implications in the recently published Energy Report 1/19.
Cooperation with DERASAT and the newly established Sustainable Energy Unit will encompass capacity building, collaboration with research institution as well as the preparation and dissemination of awareness and education program.
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.
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?
Is diversifying imports the answer to low productivity and preserving future water resources for Bahrain?
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.......
As the political crisis unfolding in Venezuela seizes the headlines, analysts frequently draw attention to the fact that the South American country has the largest oil reserves in the world.........
The US economy has traditionally been a heavy importer of oil, making it unquestionably a fan of low oil prices. Meanwhile, the shale oil revolution has transformed the US oil industry, and driven net imports to almost zero. But, has that been enough to make America favor high oil prices, and to be an OPEC ally?
This study reviews the electricity market’s structure, its operational mechanisms and the implications of an ever-increasing share of renewables in the energy mix........
At the start of January 2019, Bahrain launched a 5 per cent value-added tax (VAT), following Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Dr. Omar Al-Ubaydli explains the impact on prices.
The 60,000 word report was authored by a team of specialist researchers, headed by independent development expert, Dr. Craig Naumann, and featuring three Bahrainis affiliated to Derasat: economist Dr. Omar Al-Ubaydli, economist Ms. Ghada Abdulla, and renewable energy specialist Eng. Abdulla Alabbasi. It covers the period 2005-2018...............
Conferences such as the Manama Dialogue, held in Bahrain and organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), play a crucial role in finding solutions to security threats.