The Middle East

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 fierce competition in a crowded market, Saudi Arabia’s telecoms sector should see continued growth, driven largely by the expanding mobile internet and fixed broadband segments, according to recent reports from local investment groups. The Kingdom’s tech-savvy, high-income, younger generation, in particular, is earmarked to play a major part in boosting spending on data services and related products.

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.

The Kingdom’s stock exchange is to see its first new listing for 2013, with a green light for telecommunications firm Zain Bahrain to launch an initial public offering (IPO). Analysts are likely to follow the float with keen interest as it could serve as an indicator of how far confidence has returned to the Kingdom’s capital markets.

Despite achieving record growth in 2012, telecoms operators in the UAE have seen their profit margins affected by a new royalties programme introduced by the federal government. However, surging demand in Dubai for the latest mobile devices, particularly smartphones and tablets, as well as a more diversified range of value-added services, should result in in even greater growth and profitability in the coming years.