The Middle East

Efforts to expand the role of entrepreneurs and small-scale enterprises in Sharjah are gathering momentum, due to a combination of regulatory changes, new incentives and supporting infrastructure.

Higher levels of public spending, supported by greater participation from the private sector, are expected to drive infrastructure projects in Kuwait over the short to medium term.

Qatar has merged its two majority state-owned liquefied natural gas (LNG) producers and stepped up output, with the aim of increasing its competitiveness in global markets.

Bahrain has moved forward with plans to improve national infrastructure as part of its economic development strategy, announcing a series of tenders relating to the upgrade and expansion of the country’s airport.

Analysts expect consumers in Dubai to take a more cautious approach to spending after the implementation of the new value-added tax (VAT) on January 1.