Middle East Insight

Economists predict high oil prices, inflation and lower dollar
Standard Chartered Bank rolled out its economic research analysts this week at a presentation for clients held in the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. The message is that high oil prices are likely to persist along with high inflation in the region. Meanwhile, the US dollar will recover ground against the euro in the second half of 2008 but drop again to $1.75 by the end of 2009.
Middle East: Wednesday, May 14 - 2008 at 10:42

Islamic hotels spread beyond Gulf
Shariah-compliant hotels are mushrooming throughout the Middle East and elsewhere, boosted by an increase in the number of Arab tourists. The developers of these hotels believe these establishments will appeal to Muslims and non-Muslims alike as they provide a culturally unique and relaxing atmosphere for travellers.
Middle East: Tuesday, May 06 - 2008 at 10:54

How to make money in the Middle East
The Arabian Peninsula may be known for its arid deserts, but it's also home to a fertile oasis of economic growth. The six GCC countries channel their oil wealth into homeland economies and mammoth infrastructure projects. Grabbing a piece of regional trends in banking, construction and telecommunications could give your portfolio a boost.
Middle East: Tuesday, May 06 - 2008 at 09:20

American tourists turn to Gulf hotels
Despite the credit crisis and the decline of the US dollar, a significant number of Americans are still planning overseas holidays. Perhaps more surprisingly, many of these travellers are eyeing a previously unlikely destination for the US market - the Middle East.
Middle East: Monday, May 05 - 2008 at 10:22

Oil prices propel GCC inflation surges
Higher oil revenues in the Middle East these days come with a hidden cost: higher inflation. Saudi Arabia has just announced that its inflation surged to 9.6% in March, still lower than the inflation levels in Qatar and the UAE, but very challenging for an economy where lower income earning groups are hard hit by the increasing cost of food.
Middle East: Tuesday, April 29 - 2008 at 09:24

Sovereign wealth funds play it cool
Sovereign wealth funds are presently sitting on the sidelines of global markets, waiting for further slowdowns before stepping in to grab bargains. Perhaps the 20% losses on emergency issues of bank shares last autumn has brought a note of caution.
Middle East: Tuesday, April 22 - 2008 at 11:28

Marriott aims for bigger slice of gulf tourism market
Marriott International is rapidly expanding in the Middle East in an effort to tap into the enormous growth that is taking place in the region's tourism industry. Although the US-based company sees tremendous potential in its new properties in the Gulf, it also faces major challenges as the world economy struggles to cope with high oil prices and the global credit crisis.
Middle East: Tuesday, April 22 - 2008 at 11:11

What will a GCC currency union look like in 2010?
Gulf States are pushing ahead with a monetary union by 2010, according to central bankers speaking after their meeting last weekend, aside from Oman which has reiterated its intention to have no part in the currency union.
Middle East: Tuesday, April 08 - 2008 at 10:22 |

Index : Middle East Insight