Panelist at Reuters Next Gulf 2025 event in Abu Dhabi, 22 Oct 2025

Dr. Nasser Saidi joined the panel titled “Tariff Wars and Trade Shifts” at the Reuters Next Gulf 2025 event held in Abu Dhabi on Oct 22nd, 2025.

 

Major shifts in global trade driven by new tariffs and the move toward nearshoring and friendshoring come as the Gulf continues its push for economic diversification beyond oil. How are businesses and governments adapting to these changing trade dynamics, and what is the impact on global economies and inflationary pressures.
The high level themes covered in the panel discussion were: the changing picture of trade following Donald Trump’s tariffs, the changing nature of investment flows.; and the geo-economic and geopolitical position of the Gulf and the Middle East.

Watch the discussion below from point 3:37:40 onwards till 4:09:22

 



Panelist at the IMF Regional Economic Outlook Middle East & Central Asia Report Launch in Dubai, 21 Oct 2025

Dr. Nasser Saidi participated in the panel discussion during the launch of the IMF Regional Economic Outlook (REO) report held in Dubai on Oct 21st, 2025.

 

Despite rising global policy uncertainty, economies in the Middle East and North Africa have demonstrated resilience this year, driven by increased oil production, lower energy prices, strong remittances and tourism inflows, and supportive global financial conditions. Can this resilience be maintained? What risks remain and how can MENA policymakers best navigate them? What new opportunities might emerge for the region in a rapidly shifting global economy?

The insightful discussion titled “Resilience Amid Uncertainty: Will it Last” delves into these critical issues highlighted in the IMF’s Regional Economic Outlook: Middle East and Central Asia issued in Oct 2025.

 

Watch the discussion below:

 



Panelist at the IMF Regional Economic Outlook Middle East & Central Asia Report Launch in Dubai, 31 Oct 2024

Dr. Nasser Saidi participated in the panel discussion during the launch of the IMF Regional Economic Outlook (REO) report held in Dubai on Oct 31st, 2024.

 

Amid high uncertainty and the threat of intensifying conflicts, how can the countries of the Middle East and North Africa safeguard macroeconomic stability? What risks and vulnerabilities lie ahead? Which policies can help countries navigate this uncertain economic landscape while strengthening medium-term growth prospects?

The insightful discussion titled “Growth Challenges and Opportunities in the MENA Region Amid Uncertainty” delves into these critical issues highlighted in the IMF’s Regional Economic Outlook: Middle East and Central Asia issued in Oct 2024.

 

Watch the discussion – the video titled Press Briefing: Middle East & Central Asia, October 2024 (Dubai) – via: https://www.imf.org/en/Videos/view?vid=6364122084112

 

Comments from the discussion appeared in an article on AGBI titled “Middle East, not the West, should lead rebuilding, say experts“: Dr. Saidi’s comments are highlighted below. 

Economist Nasser Saidi, founder of Nasser Saidi and Associates and AGBI columnist, said the cost to rebuild countries in the region impacted by conflict in recent years – including Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, Libya and others – could be as much as $2.5 trillion.

“The private sector will not invest until they see stability and a political strategy,” he said.

He suggested forming an organisation called the Arab Bank for Reconstruction and Development to unite the countries in the region in helping rebuilding efforts.

 

 



“IMF Report Launch 2024: Economic Prospects and Policy Challenges for the GCC Countries”, Panel Discussion, AGSIW webinar, 17 Jan 2024

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: