The Middle East Economy

With the 2022 FIFA World Cup less than a decade away, Qatar’s government is poised to up the tempo of its infrastructure and development programme after raising expenditures on April 1 for the new financial year. Spending has been increased by 18% in the budget for fiscal year 2013/14, paving the way for the state’s infrastructure investment programme to gather yet further momentum.

As hydrocarbons’ contribution to Kuwait’s GDP is predicted to fall this year, growth is increasingly seen as hinging on the success of an ambitious state investment programme. However, concerns over delays to its implementation have raised questions as to how significantly it will boost GDP.

Despite slowing growth and expectations of a widening current account deficit this year, investors do not appear to be shying away from the Turkish economy, particularly as the easing of political tensions is likely to yield an upgrade in the country’s investment ratings.

Following GDP growth of 2.8% in 2012 according to IMF numbers, up slightly on 2011, Jordan is working to maintain similar expansion this year, despite a drop in foreign grants and a simultaneous rise in its energy bill.

A US offer to back Jordanian bond issues may help lower the Kingdom’s borrowing costs and boost confidence in the country’s securities, which has been dented by regional instability that has slowed economic growth.

A landmark flight from Baghdad that touched down in late February at Kuwait International Airport looks set to usher in a new era of stronger economic ties between the two Gulf neighbours. The resumption of direct air-travel between Iraq's capital and Kuwait, which is building on a steadily rising flow of traffic between the two countries, spells good news for business leaders.