Dr. Nasser Saidi participated in the panel discussion hosted by the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington (AGSIW) related to the launch of the IMF report titled “Economic Prospects and Policy Challenges for the GCC Countries” held as a webinar on Jan 17th, 2024.

After exceptionally strong economic expansion in 2022, growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries slowed in 2023 largely as a result of cuts in oil production. Nonhydrocarbon growth remained robust driven by higher domestic demand, increased capital inflows, and ongoing reforms. Unemployment rates continued to decline, while inflation remained well contained.  

The challenging global and regional situation creates an uncertain outlook for the GCC countries in 2024. The commitment to economic and financial reforms bodes well for continued expansion of the nonhydrocarbon sector, but uncertainty in the global oil market, the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and the trajectory of U.S. monetary policy all present risks to the outlook. 

AGSIW was pleased to host a discussion of the International Monetary Fund’s report on Economic Prospects and Policy Priorities for the GCC Countries. The discussion focused on the economic outlook in the region and the policies that need to be implemented to navigate the challenges posed by current global and regional uncertainties and the longer-term need to diversify economies and reduce reliance on fossil fuel revenue.

Watch the discussion below:

Aathira Prasad joined Yousef Gamal El-Din  on 28th of November, 2022 as part of the Bloomberg Daybreak: Middle East edition, touching upon oil prices and views in the backdrop of China’s Covid policy and the price cap on Russian oil. On the economic outlook for the GCC, we remain optimistic, especially given that recovery is being boosted by both oil and non-oil sectors and that the relatively better fiscal stance of the GCC (with more savings and monies set aside for domestic and regional investments).

Watch the interview below, which can also be accessed from the original link: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2022-11-28/-bloomberg-daybreak-middle-east-full-show-11-28-2022 (listen from 28:33 to 37:00)

Dr. Nasser Saidi spoke with Dubai Eye’s Business Breakfast team ahead of the Lebanon Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s visit to the UAE. The UAE meetings resulted in the travel ban to Lebanon being lifted.
Listen to the full radio interview at https://omny.fm/shows/businessbreakfast/lebanon-economy-nasser-saidi-associates-07-10-2019