The Middle East Economic Research Highlights
The Report: Saudi Arabia 2023
Saudi Arabia's dynamic economy is poised for growth, driven by its Vision 2030 diversification agenda. The Kingdom aims to transform its industries, stimulate innovation and solidify its global position...
Unlocking opportunities: How higher education drives socio-economic development in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Vision 2030 and the evolution of education in Saudi Arabia are key drivers of the country’s socio-economic transformation. With a focus on national development goals, Saudi Arabia is committed...
Report: Social and governance considerations in the automotive industry
The rise of connected, autonomous, shared and electric vehicle megatrends in the automotive industry are bringing social and governance considerations to the fore of ESG strategic thinking...
The Report: Bahrain 2023
Bahrain consolidated its recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic by achieving 2.2% GDP growth in 2021 before accelerating to 4.9% in 2022. To leverage the advantage of elevated oil prices, the country...
GCC: The Report Highlights
Market Profile Video
Highlights from The Report: Bahrain 2023
Fiscal sustainability measures are bearing fruit, with the kingdom posting its largest current account surplus in decades in 2022, at 15.4% of GDP, resulting from a 52% increase in government revenue.
Market Profile Video
Oman leverages non-oil sector development to propel economic growth
Oxford Business Group has launched The Report: Oman 2023, highlighting how the sultanate is diversifying its economy, and accelerating privatisation and Omanisation. Supported by a robust...
Market Profile Video
Kuwait’s strategy to enable private sector-led growth and diversification
Guided by the New Kuwait 2035 vision, Kuwait is undergoing social and economic reforms designed to achieve a diversified private sector-led economy and a more sustainable future...
Market Profile Video
Saudi Arabia’s economy is positioned for growth in the coming years
Oxford Business Group has launched The Report: Saudi Arabia 2022. This Market Profile video highlights how the Kingdom’s diversified approach to economic development is helping to position it as one of the fastest-growing G20 economies in 2022.
Market Profile Video
Highlights from The Report: Bahrain 2022
Elevated oil prices are helping Bahrain rebound from the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, and driving an economic expansion that is expected to continue through 2022 and into the coming years. With some $30bn in infrastructure projects in the pipeline, the country is seeking to strengthen its position as a regional logistics destination.
Market Profile Video
Highlights from The Report: Qatar 2022
OBGplus
Oxford Business Group has now launched The Report: Qatar 2022. This 16th edition of our national macroeconomic analysis shines a spotlight on Qatar’s efforts to leverage its abundant natural gas resources and its status as host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to develop a diversified, knowledge-based economy.

Highlights from The Report: Bahrain 2023

Oman leverages non-oil sector development to propel economic growth

Kuwait’s strategy to enable private sector-led growth and diversification

Saudi Arabia’s economy is positioned for growth in the coming years

Highlights from The Report: Bahrain 2022

Highlights from The Report: Qatar 2022
How Saudi Arabia is working to be a global logistics and transport centre
Farooq Shaikh, CEO, LogiPoint
In this Global Platform video, Farooq Shaikh, CEO, LogiPoint, identifies the key characteristics that make Saudi Arabia a competitive location for logistics and transport activities in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic...
Economic Analysis across the Middle East
Interview
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister
OBGplus
On upskilling the local workforce and attracting investment
Overview
Bahrain boosts diversification through tourism and financial technology
OBGplus
The strategic location of the island country of Bahrain, combined with its business-friendly ecosystem and diversified economy, have seen it emerge in recent decades as an attractive destination for foreign...
Viewpoint
Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said
OBGplus
On the course of progress leading towards Oman’s auspicious future
Overview
How institutional changes and diversification boost Oman’s economy
OBGplus
At the confluence of the Gulf and Arabian Sea, Oman occupies a strategically important location for trade and logistics. Although it is not on the Gulf, Oman sits atop significant oil and natural gas reserves like its...
Viewpoint
Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah
OBGplus
On the future of domestic development and international collaboration
Overview
Saudi Arabia’s reform and energy initiatives attract investment
OBGplus
As the world’s largest oil producer and the only Arab country in the G20, Saudi Arabia is a key geopolitical player on the global stage. Officially established in September 1932 the Kingdom has begun to pour...
Viewpoint
HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar
OBGplus
On the importance of international cooperation

Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister

Bahrain boosts diversification through tourism and financial technology

Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said

How institutional changes and diversification boost Oman’s economy

Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah

Saudi Arabia’s reform and energy initiatives attract investment

HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar
How the energy sector can capitalise on renewables in support of Oman Vision 2040
Talal Al Awfi, Group CEO of OQ, and the OQ Leadership Team
In this Global Platform video, Talal Al Awfi and the OQ Leadership Team discuss Oman’s net-zero goals and outline the country’s potential to boost power generation from renewable resources, including wind...
Gulf: Economic Research & Views
Economic View
Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Executive Director, Low Carbon Solutions & International Growth, ADNOC
On Abu Dhabi’s carbon capture efforts and the role of hydrogen in the energy mix
Economic Views
Ali Al Dhaheri, CEO, Tadweer
On the business opportunities presented by sustainable waste management
Economic News
Gulf countries look to space to harness scientific and commercial opportunities
OBGplus
In the push to embrace emerging technologies and harness their potential commercial opportunities, Gulf countries are launching new initiatives to bolster their domestic space industries...
Economic View
Mohamed Khalid Ateeq, General Manager, Rain
On the importance of creating a conducive regulatory framework to foster an investment-friendly environment
Economic View
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO, Dubai Chambers
On how collaboration can strengthen the investment-promotion efforts of chambers of commerce in the Gulf
Economic View
Vincent Miccolis, Managing Director for Middle East, Africa, Turkey and India, The Ascott
On creating investment opportunities and fostering sustainable infrastructure development
Economic News
Emerging markets invest in film media to extend their global reach
OBGplus
As audiences return to entertainment in physical venues following the Covid-19 pandemic, several emerging markets are looking to film and media to diversify economic revenue streams and extend...
Economic News
Gulf countries developing regulatory frameworks for decentralised finance
OBGplus
As GCC countries look to harness new forms of financial technology (fintech) such as blockchain, deepen their financial services and expand financial inclusion, governments are embracing...
Economic News
Demographic and tech shifts alter the distribution of global talent
OBGplus
As the global economy continues to adapt to ongoing macroeconomic shocks, many countries are looking to boost human capital through training programmes, technology adoption and immigration.
Economic News
What China’s uneven economic recovery means for emerging markets
OBGplus
After three years of rolling Covid-19 lockdowns and trade disruptions, China posted faster-than-expected GDP growth in the first quarter of 2023, at 4.5% year-on-year (y-o-y), but the uneven nature of its recovery...
Economic News
The growth trajectory of religious tourism in key markets
OBGplus
With many emerging markets diversifying their tourism offerings, faith-based tourism is set to become a key segment for a number of markets worldwide. An estimated 330m people travel for religious reasons...

Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Executive Director, Low Carbon Solutions & International Growth, ADNOC

Ali Al Dhaheri, CEO, Tadweer

Gulf countries look to space to harness scientific and commercial opportunities

Mohamed Khalid Ateeq, General Manager, Rain

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO, Dubai Chambers

Vincent Miccolis, Managing Director for Middle East, Africa, Turkey and India, The Ascott

Emerging markets invest in film media to extend their global reach

Gulf countries developing regulatory frameworks for decentralised finance

Demographic and tech shifts alter the distribution of global talent

What China’s uneven economic recovery means for emerging markets

The growth trajectory of religious tourism in key markets
GCC ESG Research & Views
Economic NewsClimate risk is reshaping the insurance sector in emerging markets
With the launch of a new joint initiative to support the countries that are most vulnerable to climate change, the global insurance industry is evolving in ways that could carry important implications for business in emerging markets. The Global Shield against Climate Risks (GSCR) was announced by the ministers of finance of the so-called Vulnerable Twenty Group (V20) and the G7 after the COP27 UN Conference on Climate Change in Sharm El-Sheikh Egypt in November last year. It seeks to address weaknesses...
Economic News
The effectiveness of water-management strategies in emerging markets
With extreme weather events such as drought or flooding becoming more common due to climate change, countries around the world are looking to innovative solutions for water management. Water scarcity captured global headlines last summer, as Europe experienced its worst drought in 500 years and China’s Yangtze River reached record low levels, derailing hydropower operations. Elsewhere, widespread flooding affected Nigeria, India, Pakistan and other parts of the world. Due to population growth, climate change and...
Economic News
How emerging markets are navigating the rising cost of solar power
With high energy prices and supply chain disruptions creating shortages of key renewable energy components and materials, emerging markets are reassessing how to build out utility-scale solar power to accelerate their energy transitions. After more than a decade of decline, the cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels has risen around the world, due primarily to the increasing cost of solar-grade polysilicon in China. A key component in PV panels, polysilicon spot market prices rose from less than $7 per kg in July 2020 to $39 in August...
Economic News
Saltwater batteries and the emerging blue energy economy
As emerging markets seek to accelerate their energy transitions by increasing solar and wind power capacity, recent technological advancements that harness the sodium from saltwater could provide a crucial breakthrough in battery storage. In recent months start-ups and researchers have debuted saltwater battery technologies that promise cheaper capacity to store variable solar and wind power at scale, a development that could help to reduce global dependence on lithium. In January US-based tech start-up Salgenx...
Economic News
How tech can unlock geothermal energy in emerging markets
As countries around the world look to increase baseload power generation, reduce energy imports and decarbonise their economies, emerging markets are boosting geothermal power generation with the help of new technologies and expertise. A new drilling technology developed by Quaise Energy, a US geothermal start-up spun out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology that uses gyrotron-powered millimetre waves to vaporize rock, could allow for producers to drill as far down as 20 km compared to the average drilling...
Economic News
How the new High Seas Treaty affects ocean conservation in emerging markets
As the international community reaches a landmark agreement to protect ocean resources, emerging markets are looking to balance conservation and the exploitation of marine resources. In the first week of March 2023 UN delegates in New York finalised the text of an international treaty outlining the sustainable use of marine resources beyond national jurisdiction. Popularly known as the UN High Seas Treaty, the document is the result of two decades of talks and represents the first international treaty on ocean protection...
Economic News
Urban areas experiment with cooling technologies to combat climate change
With temperatures in cities set to rise in the coming decades, many public and private players in emerging markets are looking to tackle the challenge of extreme heat through technology, sustainable building techniques and the expansion of urban green spaces. Cities cover just 3% of the Earth’s surface but currently house over half of the world’s population – a figure set to reach 70% by 2050. Urban population growth is predicted to be highest in emerging markets, with 90% of the shift to cities occurring in Asia and...
Economic News
Can grid expansion keep pace with the coming surge in solar power generation?
As the capacity to generate wind and solar power continues to expand around the world, hopes of accelerating the phase-out of coal as the leading source of electricity may depend on the expansion of a less discussed but equally important part of the energy supply chain: electricity grids. Countries around the world are working to shift to more sustainable sources of power and facing challenges related to the expansion of their electricity grids. Last month Western Australia’s economic regulator ruled that Western Power...
New economic zones central to Kuwait’s growth strategy
Kuwait is developing three new economic zones to boost investment and support trade through strategic industrial clusters. The Al Abdali, Al Wafra and Al Naayem economic zones aim to attract impact...
ESG Intelligence Reports - Middle East
ESG Intelligence Report
Report: How can Saudi Arabia finance sustainable industrial development?
Guided by the Vision 2030 strategy for diversification, rapid advancements are being made in Saudi industry, mining, logistics and renewable energy. As the Kingdom works towards reaching net-zero...
ESG Intelligence Report
Report: How Qatar is confronting environmental and social challenges
With the publication of its National Environment and Climate Change Strategy in 2021, Qatar has recognised that a proactive and holistic approach is needed to meet the challenge of global warming and...
ESG Intelligence Report
Report: The road to a zero-emission automotive industry in the Middle East and Africa
Automotive stakeholders are increasingly aware that the business-as-usual scenario that has sustained the industry for more than 100 years is no longer tenable. Regulatory changes and emissions-reduction...
ESG Intelligence Report
Report: What factors are driving social development in Saudi Arabia?
Vision 2030 includes social development initiatives to empower micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and citizens, promote entrepreneurship and widen access to financing...
ESG Intelligence Report
Report: How can sustainable finance support the transformation of hydrocarbons-dependent economies?
With the world economy heading into a complex post-pandemic recovery, GCC governments have outlined a wide-ranging set of environmental targets – and shone a stronger spotlight on sustainability...
ESG Intelligence Report
Report: Can heavy industry support Saudi Arabia’s sustainability ambitions?
COP26 has focused the world’s attention on the need for a more sustainable economic model that ensures profits and growth are not achieved at the expense of ecological health and social well-being...

Report: How can Saudi Arabia finance sustainable industrial development?

Report: How Qatar is confronting environmental and social challenges

Report: The road to a zero-emission automotive industry in the Middle East and Africa

Report: What factors are driving social development in Saudi Arabia?

Report: How can sustainable finance support the transformation of hydrocarbons-dependent economies?

Report: Can heavy industry support Saudi Arabia’s sustainability ambitions?
Education: Shaping the Future of the Middle East
Economic NewsHow has the pandemic changed university course offerings in the Gulf?
With the current semester winding up, many higher education institutions in the Gulf are already planning an expanded offering of courses for the next academic year – with a focus on supporting the needs of the region’s post-pandemic economy. As OBG detailed earlier this year, the economic fallout of Covid-19 has encouraged higher education institutions in the Gulf to adapt their course offerings to help drive their respective countries’ economic recoveries. The coronavirus pandemic both highlighted and heightened the importance...
Covid-19 Response Report
Report: Will digitalisation in UAE higher education spur longer-term economic growth?
The UAE’s robust current account balance cushioned the economy against the twin global challenges of Covid-19 and the oil price drop in 2020. Lockdowns were implemented to protect public health, and Emiratis migrated online. UAE residents were ranked as the best ICT users globally in an October 2020 study from the Portulans Institute, due in part to a number-one ranking for school internet access, underlining the agility of UAE education stakeholders. Continued innovation within the UAE’s education segment will be...
Interview
Hussain Ibrahim Al Hammadi, UAE Minister of Education: Interview
On boosting innovation and entrepreneurship
Economic News
Can higher education institutions shape the Gulf’s post-Covid-19 economy?
As Gulf countries look to rebound from the disruption of 2020, higher education institutions are playing a key role in meeting the needs of the region’s post-coronavirus economy. Universities, schools and technical colleges were among the first institutions to innovate following the outbreak of the virus. While many were initially obliged to close, educational institutions quickly adapted to the new situation by making learning materials available online, thus enabling students to continue their studies remotely...
Covid-19 Response Report
Report: How has the UAE responded to Covid-19, and what does it mean for higher education?
The UAE’s efforts to develop an advanced higher education sector, coupled with its robust fiscal position, meant it entered the pandemic from a position of relative strength. This report focuses on the response of policymakers to the challenges presented by Covid-19, and looks in detail at how the higher education sector adapted to the new reality...
Economic News
How are universities driving the transition towards net zero in emerging markets?
Higher education institutions have a leading role to play in helping emerging economies adapt to the effects of climate change, as well as to meet their net-zero goals. This role can be roughly divided into two key areas: implementing best practices and leading on research. At the end of October, as part of the Times Higher Education Climate Impact Forum, 1050 universities from 68 countries made a series of commitments to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Over the course of the preceding year, many of these institutions...
Focus Report
Report: Will e-learning transform tertiary education in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia’s tertiary education system is underpinned by a strong network of 28 public universities accounting for 81% of student enrolment. However, the ongoing process of economic diversification is contributing to a rise in admission to vocational training institutes and private universities – helping to raise standards across the board and ensure programmes are attuned to market needs. As new economic growth engines emerge, skills development will increasingly be viewed as a lifelong pursuit that is not limited...
Latest Covid-19 Reports - Gulf
Covid-19 Response Report
Report: Can agri-tech offer sustainable solutions to GCC food security challenges?
Food production in the GCC has long faced obstacles ranging from water scarcity to a lack of arable soil – factors that are being exacerbated by climate change. Prior to Covid-19, imports accounted for 85% of the...
Covid-19 Recovery Roadmap
Report: What is the post-Covid-19 outlook for GCC chemicals and petrochemicals?
The GCC chemicals and petrochemicals industry demonstrated considerable resilience in the face of Covid-19 and oil price fluctuations. With economic diversification a leading concern for GCC...
Future Readiness Report
Report: Is the Gulf shipping and logistics sector future-ready?
In the wake of a period of severe disruption to global trade, Gulf shipping and logistics companies are adapting to government efforts to boost self-sufficiency in the region, while also investing in...
Covid-19 Response Report
Report: Was Oman's banking sector resilient enough to support economic stability during the pandemic?
Oman’s economy was heavily reliant on hydrocarbons when the pandemic began, creating fiscal pressures as demand and prices fell. However, the country was able to rely on a well-capitalised and regulated financial...
Post-Pandemic Prospects Report
Report: How is the Covid-19 pandemic re-shaping the global oilfield services sector?
The global oil industry had yet to recover from the price crash of 2014-15 by the time the pandemic hit in early 2020, which meant that upstream operators and service providers were already grappling with...
Covid-19 Response Report
Report: How is the pandemic shaping the future of Abu Dhabi’s health care sector?
Sustained investment and foresighted policy initiatives meant that the UAE and Abu Dhabi had developed a modern and effective public health system prior to the pandemic, supported by a growing number of...
Business Journey Report
Report: What are the post-pandemic prospects for Qatar’s start-ups and SMEs?
Sharjah entered the pandemic period in a resilient position thanks to a highly diversified and digitalised economy supported by strong fundamentals at the national level. With the emirate benefitting from...
Covid-19 Recovery Roadmap
Report: How can Bahrain stand out as a post-pandemic investment destination?
Bahrain entered the pandemic with the most diversified economy in the GCC, which meant it was not overly susceptible to the sharp drop in the oil market. The country also benefits from some...
Covid-19 Response Report
Report: What are the post-pandemic prospects for Sharjah's economy?
With the emirate benefitting from one of the world’s highest vaccination rates, it is well positioned to enjoy a robust economic recovery supported by investment flows into high-potential segments such as ICT...
Covid-19 Recovery Roadmap
Report: How can Dubai’s economy bounce back from Covid-19?
Dubai’s diversified and digitalised economy was able to absorb the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic relatively well. The emirate enjoys some of the fastest internet speeds and most advanced...

Report: Can agri-tech offer sustainable solutions to GCC food security challenges?

Report: What is the post-Covid-19 outlook for GCC chemicals and petrochemicals?

Report: Is the Gulf shipping and logistics sector future-ready?

Report: Was Oman's banking sector resilient enough to support economic stability during the pandemic?

Report: How is the Covid-19 pandemic re-shaping the global oilfield services sector?

Report: How is the pandemic shaping the future of Abu Dhabi’s health care sector?

Report: What are the post-pandemic prospects for Qatar’s start-ups and SMEs?

Report: How can Bahrain stand out as a post-pandemic investment destination?

Report: What are the post-pandemic prospects for Sharjah's economy?

Report: How can Dubai’s economy bounce back from Covid-19?
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Featured Reports in The Middle East
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