One of the largest in the GCC, Saudi Arabia’s insurance industry is expanding at a rate which some believe will soon see it surpass the UAE to claim the title of regional leader. 33 insurers are currently licensed to operate in the Saudi market, while a further three have been approved for establishment. This makes for a crowded sector, with intense competition played out largely in the arena of...
The Middle East Economy
Displaying 1249 - 1254 of 2003
Chapter | Capital Markets from The Report: Saudi Arabia 2014
As the largest and most liquid bourse in the MENA region, the Saudi Stock Exchange accounts for around 50% of the GCC equity market. Increasing investor appetite, sustained earnings growth by Saudi companies and the relatively robust nature of the Kingdom’s economy make for a positive outlook for the exchange. Although still at a relatively early stage of development, the bourse has begun to...
Fuelled by the ongoing state infrastructure investment drive, non-oil private sector growth was estimated at 9.4% in 2013. The Kingdom posted a budget surplus of $54.9bn in 2013, or 7.4% of GDP, driven largely by oil exports, which averaged 7.54m bpd over the course of 2013. Efforts are under way to boost the employment of nationals and make the most of Saudi Arabia’s young population, and...
Articles & Analysis | Qatar's new free trade agreements to boost cross-border trade from The Report: Qatar 2015
Consistently posting sizeable budget and trade surpluses, Qatar has seen its trade and investment activity reach historic highs in recent years, driven by steady hydrocarbons exports, growing import demand, measured market liberalisation and expansion of bilateral trade relations. Although foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows declined in...
Articles & Analysis | New economic zones in Qatar attract investment and develop local talent from The Report: Qatar 2015
In line with Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) goals to boost domestic industry and human capital development, Qatar has ramped up its efforts to attract new domestic and foreign investment, particularly in technology, communications and industry. With QNV 2030 emphasising creation of a diverse, industrialised, knowledge-based economy,...