Video taken by Nasdaq. Undoubtedly, higher and more stable oil prices have buoyed the Gulf countries over the past year. As I have written before, this is in some senses good news for the region, where oil plays such an important role in terms of income. In other ways, though, this could mean that some of the thorny reforms enacted since 2014 could slow,…
Business Barometer: Gulf CEO Survey Copyright (c). All rights reserved. This survey has been designed to assess business sentiment amongst business leaders (Chief Executives or equivalent) and their outlook for the next 12 months. Unlike many surveys, the OBG Business Barometer is conducted by OBG staff on a face-to-face basis, across the full range of industries, company sizes and functional…
All eyes were understandably on Vienna at the end of June, and the gathering of oil ministers from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Their decision to increase output was endorsed by the non-OPEC producers who signed up to the original cuts 18 months ago. Oil prices are a thorny issue for the Gulf economies as their diversification strategies accelerate. On…
View the OBG Business Barometer: UAE CEO survey infographic World-class infrastructure and tourism offerings, significant financial reserves and a reputation as a safe haven have all contributed to a feeling that despite the various headwinds buffeting the UAE, it is well placed to drive on with reforms intended to ensure long-term, sustainable prosperity. There are seven constituent emirates that…
Read my evaluation of the OBG Business Barometer: UAE CEO Survey results OBG Business Barometer: UAE CEO Survey Copyright (c). All rights reserved. This survey has been designed to assess business sentiment amongst business leaders (Chief Executives or equivalent) and their outlook for the next 12 months. Unlike many surveys, the OBG Business Barometer is conducted by OBG staff on a face-to-face…
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RAK has historically been a hub for trade in the gulf region, with the emirate’s chief exports traditionally consisting of pearls and copper. Today, RAK’s position on the Strait of Hormuz continues to present a significant strategic advantage, with the emirate boasting five commercial port facilities, one of which – Port Saqr – will be linked up to the GCC-wide rail network under developme
The push among GCC states to invest in Africa came about in earnest following the 2007-08 global food price crisis, and targeted agricultural land and strategic commodity production. Agribusiness, sovereign wealth funds and other agri-investment vehicles were the main players. Primarily state-led, the investments at that time centred on framework agreements with the host market, guaranteeing purchases…
The push among GCC states to invest in Africa came about in earnest following the 2007-08 global food price crisis, and targeted agricultural land and strategic commodity production. Agribusiness, sovereign wealth funds and other agri-investment vehicles were the main players. Primarily state-led, the investments at that time centred on framework agreements with the host market, guaranteeing purchases…
