Omar Al-Ubaydli is Director of Studies and Research, and Director of Economics and Energy Studies. He previously worked as an Assistant Professor of Economics at George Mason University, USA, as well as being a member of Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell’s Joint Advisory Board of Economists. Dr. Al-Ubaydli received his BA in Economics from the University of Cambridge (Queens’ College) and his MA and PhD in Economics from the University of Chicago. Dr. Al-Ubaydli’s research has been published in several international, peer-reviewed journals and has been featured by media outlets including the Economist magazine.
Dr. Omar Al-Ubaydli

Research, Analyses and Events
Academic Area Studies and Foreign Policy: A Comparative Study of the GCC and US
The paper examines the incidence of area studies departments/programs in the GCC and US, and their role in the foreign policy of each country.
Replace hegemony with trade between neighbors and watch peace take root
Several traditionally conflicting Middle Eastern powers are poised to launch ambitious energy partnerships. Can renewed economic ties contribute to repairing politically and socially strained relationships?
Arabia cannot woo international investors until everyone plays by the same rules
Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes’ conviction of fraud is the latest example of a powerful individual being held accountable for greed-induced crimes. It could be argued that in order for the region to increase international investors, everyone needs to start playing by the same rules.
Accurate student assessment can reinforce inequality
Although hybrid learning has helped improve inclusivity with geographical remoteness and physical challenges no longer preventing students from learning, the assessment poses a risk to these gains as the best assessment methods are inherently exclusionary.
It’s Time To Build on Bahrain’s Successful Pandemic Management Policy
Bahrain’s successful management of the COVID-19 pandemic is the direct result of several public administration innovations recently enacted.
Do as I say and not as I do isn’t a recipe for political success
Our ignorance about Covid has made managing the pandemic very hard and, as Dr. Omar Al-Ubaydli points out, the job turns into mission impossible if leaders refuse to set an example. Read more......
Using sustainable finance theory to save the environment
Can the theories that the Goldman Sachses of this world use to make money, also be used to save the environment if we are open-minded enough to get past the stigma of big finance? Read more ....
Corporate greed isn’t causing inflation
It might be comforting to think that the rising price inflation is caused by corporate greed. However, as Dr. Omar Al-Ubaydli discusses, the cause of current inflation is much more mundane.
International Conference on Data Analytics for Business and Industry
Dr. Omar Al-Ubaydli participated as a keynote speaker at the "International Conference on Data Analytics for Business and Industry", on October 25th 2021.
Why Do Economists Get Criticized the Most?
Every year when the economics Nobel Prize gets announced, a media mob assembles to attack the economics profession. Dr. Omar Al-Ubaydli claims that some criticisms may be warranted but many are simply wrong.
The European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council: A New Path for Cooperation?
Derasat's Studies and Research Director, Dr. Omar Al-Ubaydli, participated as a panel speaker at a webinar hosted by the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, on Thursday 23rd September, at 4:00 PM (Bah time).
By managing conflicts Gulf nationals can build the civil societies they yearn for
Given the importance of resolving interpersonal disputes in the work place to enable more dynamic organizations, Dr. Al-Ubaydli suggests children are taught conflict management from a young age through the education system.
Talent immigration is the secret weapon the US can employ against China
The US has an ability to attract and absorb the world’s elite into its own citizenry yet is set on a course to shun immigration - closing its doors to global talent could be a grave and irreversible error.
Professors Fail in Their Duty When Coercing University Students to Study
Dr. Omar Al-Ubaydli suggests that university professors shouldn't coerce disinterested students.
The Impact of Covid-19 on the Environment in Bahrain
This paper explores the effect that the Covid-19 pandemic is having on the environment in Bahrain using qualitative data garnered from14 environmental experts from the public and private sectors, as well as academics and staff from non-profit organizations.
Big Football Clubs Skew VAR to Their Own Benefit With the Game’s Integrity Lost
Why do football authorities punish violent conduct retrospectively, but not simulation? An article that aims to explain the political economy of punishing divers.
In the Fight Against COVID-19, China and the US Need to Set Their Differences Aside
The problem of global equitable vaccine distribution would be most simply solved if the world’s two biggest powers – China and the US – entered a partnership.