Navigating the new cold war will be tricky

• Dubai government-related entities unable to service their debt, will once again become attractive assets for Abu Dhabi investment arms. We expect restructurings, downsizing, and mergers in the form of consolidations.

• Debt service options for Oman will become increasingly costly. Economic diversification will remain a priority, with acceleration in Omanisation, privatisation and closer ties with China.

• Iraq’s new prime minister, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, is likely to try to push through incremental reforms, but they may not be enough to stop protests from turning into mass demonstrations.

• GCC businesses are continuing to expand into the Chinese market in sectors including education, leisure, and aviation.

Florence Eid-Oakden, Ph.D, Chief Economist

Robin Mills, Maryam Salman, Energy Analysts

Charlene Rahall, Mingqiao Zhao & Leila Lajevardi, Analysts 

Arabia Monitor’s MENA Monthly publication provides a timely snapshot of most notable recent developments in the dynamic MENA region. Our analysts get past the news to deliver the core, forward looking conclusions that markets-oriented readers look for.

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