GCC faces possible setback with exodus of skilled professionals

The coronavirus pandemic coupled with the oil crisis is pushing foreign workers to exit the Gulf states, perhaps shaping future labor policies.

Saudi Arabia

Oman’s state-owned entities change hands

As the newly-formed Oman Investment Authority takes over most of the Gulf country’s public assets, questions arise as to whether this is streamlining the administration, economic reform or power consolidation?

Oman

Oman will make it easier for expat workers to switch jobs

Under a previous order, foreign workers were barred from switching companies without explicit permission from their employers.

Oman

Oman’s public sector reform risks brain drain

By letting go of thousands of foreign experts, Oman risks losing the know-how central to achieving economic diversification.

Oman

In latest spending cut, Oman not renewing majority of foreign consultant contracts

Contracts will not be renewed for at least 70% of foreign experts and consultants working for the Omani government.

Oman

Oman ending lockdown in capital

Restrictions in other parts of the country to remain in place as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.

Oman

Gulf’s megaprojects face delays, reassessment

Saudi Arabia has cut capital expenditure for a number of Vision 2030 projects amid a drop in oil prices and Chinese investment. Will other Gulf states follow suit?

Saudi Arabia

China ramps up COVID-19 diplomacy in Mideast

As the Trump administration tries to link the coronavirus to a Chinese laboratory, Beijing is using the pandemic to strengthen ties in the Gulf.

Saudi Arabia

Oman’s sovereign wealth fund under pressure

Ahead of the prospect of a high budget deficit in 2020, assets held by the State General Reserve Fund (SGRF) plunged by about a third to $14.3 billion.

Oman

Intel: Trump calls on Qatar to work toward resolving Gulf dispute

President Donald Trump has asked Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to take steps to resolve the ongoing dispute with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE, which blockaded Qatar in 2017.

Legacy: Gulf

For Gulf, South Asia countries, worst is yet to come

The pandemic is expected to be especially hard on migrant workers in the Mideast and South Asia, as it has left many of them unemployed and struggling to return home to an uncertain future.

Legacy: Gulf

Is Oman’s model of governance about to shift?

Oman's debts are piling up as oil prices crash, putting at risk its wide-reaching social welfare system.

Oman