The Middle East

With new data showing that global carbon emissions are rebounding more quickly than expected after coronavirus lockdowns are eased, questions are being asked about the prospects for renewable energy projects in emerging markets. 

The Covid-19 pandemic has proved a unique challenge for the global economy, and in particular the energy industry, which has witnessed a severe fall in demand in response to lockdown measures around the world. Despite this, major developments in the Gulf suggest that players are pursuing a business-as-usual attitude as they push ahead with major investment plans.

As countries within the Gulf begin a gradual easing of Covid-19-related movement restrictions, the revival of the region’s aviation sector has come into focus. Effective recovery strategies will rely on reassuring passengers that sufficient health and the safety measures are in place.

With digital payment services and streaming platforms experiencing rapid growth during the coronavirus pandemic, governments in emerging markets are looking at introducing digital taxes as a way of expanding state revenue.

As governments around the world continue to grapple with the economic and health impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, policymakers in emerging markets have been seeking effective ways to support their informal sectors. In response to the growing crisis, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has called for a 'new deal' aimed at protecting informal workers.

From the health sector to finance, education and retail, Covid-19 has sparked widespread digital adoption in Qatar as the threat of infection combined with social distancing measures has transformed consumer demand and business-customer interactions in potentially permanent ways.