The Middle East Economy

Whilst the economy is surging on the back of higher-than-forecast oil prices that are swelling the state coffers, concerns remain over the state’s long-term prospects.

Helping to lead the way in a number of burgeoning Iraqi industries, Turkish firms from the energy extraction, commerce and construction sectors are investing and expanding in Iraq. And though recent events have put a bit of strain on the relationship, Turkey remains the country’s largest trading partner, as demonstrated by Turkish exports nearly tripling since 2007.

The Omani government is working to address unemployment by putting $1bn toward job creation after seeing higher-than-expected returns on oil in the first half of 2012.

The Kingdom’s economy is making steady progress towards regaining lost momentum following the global financial crisis and civil unrest in 2011. However, the recovery will need to be managed carefully if past losses are to be fully recouped.

Buoyed by positive growth in 2011, Abu Dhabi looks set to see a strong economic performance again this year. Though efforts to diversify the economy continue, high oil prices ensured that energy was the emirate’s strongest performer last year, even as non-oil sectors’ contribution to GDP increased.

Even though foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows are poised to rise sharply in the second half of 2012, the Jordanian government is treading cautiously against the background of a still fragile global economy and daily concerns over the level of regional instability on its own doorstep.