Gulf Monitor
Gulf Monitor
Castlereagh’s Gulf Monitor provides an insight into key developments in economic diversification, monetary and fiscal policy, social policy and foreign relations in line with the collective ambitions of GCC states to change their economies, yet preserve their systems of governance.
Also housed on this page is the Market Watch collection by Karen E. Young, who has followed and mapped closely the GCC states’ policy response since 2015. It is an authoritative guide to understanding policy formation, reaction and hydrocarbon reliance in the GCC in the last five years.
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Unwinding the JCPOA Opens Doors for China and Amplifies Risk in the Gulf
For traditional U.S. partners and allies in the Gulf and beyond, the unwinding of U.S. participation in the JCPOA will create some multidimensional consequences.
Tying the Region in Knots: How the JCPOA is Tethered to Gulf Economic and Security Challenges
U.S. President Donald J. Trump faces a deadline for the recertification of sanctions relief on May 12, when a waiver of a key sanctions law expires, and would need to be renewed lest the sanctions provided for in that law snap back into force.
Trade Wars and Bond-Offs: Side Effects of Tariffs and Tactical Borrowing Hit the Gulf
There are simultaneous efforts by Qatar and Saudi Arabia to attract investors for new bond issues this week. The “bond-off,” or race to sale, is yet a new example of the use of economic means to achieve political ends.
US-Saudi Economic Ties: Why Saudi Arabia Matters
Though the Oil Link may be broken, the United States and Saudi Arabia remain linked by economic and investment ties, energy markets and a shared interest in global economic stability.
Saudi Economic Reform Update: Saudization and Expat Exodus
Saudization, or the reservation of certain jobs and sectors for Saudi nationals, is part of the government’s effort to transform its private sector.
Payment Delayed: The Economic Risk of Gulf Contracting Practices
If you are in the construction business and a Gulf government is your client, be sure to be paid in advance.
Oman’s Investment and Reform Strategy: “Slow and Go”
It is a difficult time in the Gulf to leverage public resources to meet growing demand for jobs, for infrastructure development, and for efforts to build economies less reliant on oil revenue.
New Year, New Economic Pain
The new year is likely to bring some serious economic pain to parts of the Gulf, especially Saudi Arabia.
Corruption Purge Overshadows Stalled Reality of Saudi Economy
Saudi Arabia is in a period of top-down restructuring, creating risk and opportunity for its citizens and ruling family.
Bahrain’s Road to Economic Reform: One Size Does Not Fit All
Bahrain’s current fiscal situation is evidence that sometimes, even with the right policy mix, generating growth can be difficult.
Saudi Arabia’s NEOM: State-Led Growth Meets New Global Capitalism
Mohammed bin Salman envisions a new kind of Saudi Arabia, or at least the opening of a space complete with yoga studios, beach resorts, and robots in place of migrant laborers. This is the image of Neom
UAE Fiscal Policy: Shining Light on Federal Resource Sharing
Government bonds are a popular remedy to budget deficits across the Gulf Cooperation Council states right now