Home to an estimated 15% of the world’s proven oil reserves and the single-largest economy in MENA, Saudi Arabia is a key regional and global player. The Vision 2030 blueprint sets out regulatory, budget and social reforms that will be implemented over the coming decade as the nation sets about curbing its reliance on crude oil production and export, which accounted for 43.5% of GDP in 2018.
Its relatively small population and status as the world’s biggest gas exporter have helped Qatar become the richest country globally in terms of GDP per capita, which stood at $72,700 at current prices in 2019, according to IMF estimates. In recent years, however, the nation has faced strong economic headwinds from a drop in global energy prices to a diplomatic blockade.
Sri Lanka’s progress with free trade agreements, finance reforms, and growth strategies for manufacturing and ICT should encourage increased foreign direct investment. Sri Lanka was named the top travel destination for 2019, and the government’s 2025 development strategy aims to increase public-private partnerships, nurture innovation and increase investment in special economic zones.
Climate change and global warming, coupled with population growth and increasing urbanisation, are just some of the environmental factors depleting the natural resources of countries across the world and affecting the earth’s natural balance. In Abu Dhabi, where average temperatures run from 22.9°C to 35°C, reaching as high as 50°C in summer...
Water is a valuable commodity anywhere in the world, but in the Middle East, where temperatures are high most of the year and rainfall rarely exceeds 10cm per year, it is even more precious. In Abu Dhabi, which is mostly hot and arid, natural freshwater is rare and limited to groundwater. However, it is estimated that groundwater – which is...
