Trade relations between the GCC and Asian economies have been growing steadily for some time now. Recent developments suggest, moreover, that they are set to expand further over the next decade. While there are some risks associated with Asian markets, the GCC as a bloc is deepening its commitment to the region. This is signalled by a number...
Following a negative period for the international shipping market, in 2012 the container route from Shanghai to the Gulf through Dubai experienced the second-highest freight rate growth in the entire Asian region. This news was part of an emerging trend of the maturation of GCC-Asia trade. A relationship that was once just based on energy demand is diversifying and the...
The year 2015 will mark the 45th anniversary of the accession of His Majesty, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said and the establishment of the Sultanate of Oman, making Oman the longest continually independent Arab country in modern history. November 18 is Oman National Day, which coincides with the sultan’s birthday. The sultanate’s influence in the region is felt above all...
Seven decades of expanding oil production have given Kuwait one of the world’s highest GDP-per-capita ratios. The generous welfare system guarantees free education, health care and housing, while also providing subsidised utilities. GDP growth reached 4.5% in 2013 and is expected to rise to 5% in 2014.
Government agencies and private companies are working together to try to provide young Saudis with the skills that will allow them to work in the Kingdom’s nonoil private sector, which enjoyed growth of 5.5% in 2013, according to Jadwa Investment. In its current five-year plan the government has earmarked a total of SR23.14bn ($6.17bn) for...
For a young country accustomed to relying upon hydrocarbons exports for almost all of its income, education is at the heart of an ambitious agenda to mature and diversify into a knowledge-based economy by 2025. With this in mind, Saudi Arabia has stepped up investment in the education sector and in the young people who will be expected to...
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