State support hinders Egypt’s private sector
State support is preventing Egypt’s private sector from creating jobs, reducing poverty and building financial resilience
Does the lifting of Qatar’s blockade really matter!?
It helps everyone a little bit, but biggest beneficiary is likely Oman, surprisingly!
Qatar’s Emir invited to summit in Saudi
Qatar’s Emir has been invited to the Gulf Summit taking place on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia. His attendance is unlikely to be confirmed until the day of the event It is likely that the Emir will need to attend for any progress to be made in the near future towards the resolution of the Gulf …
Historic privatisation of Egyptian military companies
Sale of military-owned companies aims to raise cash and encourage private investment.
The move highlights the prominence of Egypt’s new sovereign wealth fund, the evolving role of the military in the economy and the need for cash from overseas.
Hopes rise for Saudi-Qatar deal
There are growing expectations of a limited Qatar-Saudi reconciliation, at least on airspace.
Fakhrizadeh killing could speed lifting of sanctions
The Fakhrizadeh incident should actually increase the urgency for the Biden Administration to restore the JCPOA nuclear agreement
Although this requires Iran to maintain strategic patience in responding to the attack, despite pressure from hardliners in parliament
However, further attacks could spark a cycle of escalation that would make future negotiations more difficult for both the US and Iran
The oil market doesn’t appear to have priced in a particular impact as of yet
Egypt debt build-up threatens recovery
Background & analysis of Egypt’s debt dynamics & how they are likely to play out – register & subscribe for free to read the full report
Kushner visit unlikely to herald Qatar breakthrough
A regional visit by Jared Kushner has raised hopes of a breakthrough on the rift, although he is more focused on the Israel normalisation push. The best outcome, still unlikely, is an easing of the airspace blockade by Saudi Arabia. For Saudi Arabia a resolution could help ease tensions with Biden and reunite the GCC …
Kushner visit unlikely to herald Qatar breakthrough Read More »
COVID vaccines won’t immunize Gulf economies
Vaccine roll out is likely to be swift in the Gulf thanks to its buying power, government-run health sectors and vaccine deals that are already in place The news is positive for oil production although it will take time to impact demand for oil and inventories with prices only likely to gain material support in …
Oman gets Qatari cash & Saudi deficit eases
Oman has reportedly received a $1bn deposit from Qatar. Oil fell to a five-month low below $38 on Covid worries and revived Libyan production. The Saudi Q3 deficit eased to -$10.9bn on stronger oil and VAT revenue. Major reforms appear to be coming to the Saudi labour market. S&P downgraded RAK & Sharjah, but Moody’s …