The protests over tax reforms that have hit Jordan in recent months and brought about the resignation of its prime minister set alarm bells ringing in the West as well as the wider Middle East. Adrienne Klasa examines how one of the region's most stable countries can now move forward.
Middle East
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In splendid isolation: how Qatar's banks are thriving amid a blockade
June 1, 2018Blockaded by several influential Arab countries since June 2017, Qatari banks have had to cope with ratings downgrades and an outflow of deposits. However, as Kit Gillet reports, they are still posting impressive profits and seem unfazed by such geopolitical unrest.
Qatar finds the silver lining to the trade blockade
June 1, 2018A year since four of its neighbours severed economic ties with Qatar, the country has unexpectedly found that the new economic circumstances have resulted in an accelerated programme of reforms. Kit Gillet reports.
Lebanon's economy remains on a knife-edge
June 1, 2018Lebanon's economy has been underperforming in recent years, hit by political uncertainty and fears over the conflict in Syria. However, an injection of finance from a group of international donors, combined with excitement over oil and gas discoveries, provide some cause for optimism. James King reports.
Lebanese banks confound expectations – but for how long?
June 1, 2018Lebanese banks have weathered punishing conditions, including a tough new tax regime. Technological innovations continue to drive progress, but as James King reports, structural economic flaws must be addressed if they are to continue to thrive.
Economic Development Board chief eyes fintech model for Bahrain
June 1, 2018Khalid Al Rumaihi, chief executive of Bahrain’s Economic Development Board, talks to James King about moving the country's economy away from oil, leveraging its financial hub credentials to attract fintechs and how Amazon gave it a vote of confidence by locating its first regional data centre there.
UAE seeks Middle East arbitration hub status
May 1, 2018The United Arab Emirates is hoping to build on its growing reputation as a business hub with a law designed to boost its credentials as a regional centre for arbitration, an increasingly popular method of dispute resolution. Kit Gillet reports.
Banks look to cash in on changing Saudi environment
May 1, 2018Saudi Arabia’s economy is changing as taxes on expat workers fuel an exodus, while the relaxation of driving rules is giving women more employment opportunities. Together with developing sectors such as entertainment and home ownership, this is providing local banks with plenty of opportunities, as James King reports.
How will reforms change Saudi Arabia
May 1, 2018Saudi Arabia is undergoing vast social and economic reforms, aimed at reducing its dependence on oil, providing employment for women and the young, and emerging as a regional capital markets hub. James King looks at the progress being made so far.
Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority sets reform example
May 1, 2018A key component of Saudi Arabia's wide-ranging reforms include modernising the economy, and the Capital Market Authority, led by Mohammed El-Kuwaiz, is in the forefront of driving this change. James King reports.