Tunisia has strived to push through reforms needed to secure the fourth tranche of a $2.9bn credit line from the IMF. But political risks further may be lifting after January…

The interventions by the US, Turkey, Russia, Iran and Israel in Syria add to the risks of international escalation. The economy, politics and nances in Syria are likely to continue…

Oman faces sizeable and persistent twin de cits and the prospect of a meagre growth outlook, while succession risk hangs over the sultanate. • Economic risk (HIGH): Higher prices following…

The outlook for Morocco depends on its success in pushing through its reform agenda. Meanwhile risks remain from global economic conditions, and high unemployment. • Economic risk (MEDIUM): The economic…

Egypt’s con dence in not needing to renew its nance line from the IMF together with sustained growth levels are further signs the economy is responding to the bailout medicine.…

Algeria faces an era of economic and political stagnation and concerns over its scal management as it embarks on consolidation under an ageing leader. Economic risk (MEDIUM): The economy is…

Outrage at the murder of Jamal Khashoggi has added to concern that Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman may face curbs on his power that might in turn a ect progress…

Egypt’s con dence in not needing to renew its nance line from the IMF together with sustained growth levels are further signs the economy is responding to the bailout medicine.…

The interventions by the US, Turkey, Russia, Iran and Israel in Syria add to the risks of international escalation. The economy, politics and nances in Syria are likely to continue…

The United Arab Emirates is a stable country in terms of politics and economics but has been a ected by repercussions from the Qatar blockade and OPEC’s quota caps .…

Kuwait will enjoy 4%+ growth after 2017’s slump thanks to higher oil output and prices. Risks remain relating to the geopolitical and domestic political backdrop and the commercial environ- ment.…

Qatar has shown strong resilience in the face of the economic blockade by its four Arab neigh- bours. But there is little sign of an end to the crisis and…

Bahrain’s move to become a high tech nancial hub could be undermined by concerns over its external nancing position, a more hardline authoritarian streak, and diplomatic rift with Qatar. •…

Political outlook unclear as veteran Adel Abdul Mahdi forms cabinet The veteran politician Adel Abdul Mahdi has stepped in to become prime minister after the May 2018 election left no…

Hopes of a return to stable government have risen after the return of veteran politician Adel Abdul Mahdi as the country’s prime minister. Economic growth is still at risk while…

Tunisia has striven to push through reforms needed to secure the fourth tranche of a $2.9bn credit line from the IMF. But political risks further may be lifting after January…

Oman faces sizeable and persistent twin de cits and the prospect of a meagre growth outlook, while succession risk hangs over the sultanate. Economic risk (HIGH): The drop in oil…

The outlook for Morocco depends on its success in pushing through its reform agenda. Meanwhile risks remain from global economic conditions, and high unemployment. Economic risk (MEDIUM): The economic recovery…

Lebanon’s anaemic economic growth is due to the ongoing Syrian war, political paralysis, the refugee crisis and weak public nances. Economic risk (HIGH): Economic prospects remain sluggish amid the political…

The second round of US President Donald Trump’s sanctions will seriously weaken Iran’s economy, its nances, inward investment and the politics of the region. Economic risk (HIGH): Now that the…

A recent raft of positive economic news and praise by the IMF are further signs the economy is showing signs of responding to the bailout medicine. Economic risk (MEDIUM): Stronger…

SUMMARY Algeria faces an era of economic and political stagnation and concerns over its scal management as it embarks on consolidation under an ageing leader. Economic risk (MEDIUM): The economy…

The United Arab Emirates is a stable country in terms of politics and economics but has been affected by repercussions from the Qatar blockade and OPEC’s quota caps. Economic risk…

Qatar has shown strong resilience in the face of the economic blockade by its four Arab neighbours. But there is little sign of an end to the crisis and an…

Kuwait will enjoy growth after 2017’s slump thanks to higher oil output and prices. Risks remain relat- ing to the geopolitical and domestic political backdrop and the commercial environment. Economic…

The political revolution unveiled by Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman and the possible shelving of the Aramco flotation raise questions about the economic reform programme. Economic risk (MEDIUM): A return…

A recent raft of positive economic news and praise by the IMF are further signs the economy is showing signs of responding to the bailout medicine. Economic risk (MEDIUM): Stronger…

Bahrain’s move to become a high tech financial hub could be undermined by concerns over its external financing position, a more hardline authoritarian streak, and diplomatic rift with Qatar. Economic…

Tunisia has striven to push through reforms needed to secure the third tranche of a $2.9bn credit line from the IMF. But political risks further may be lifting after January…

Oman faces sizeable and persistent twin deficits and the prospect of a meagre growth outlook, while succession risk hangs over the sultanate. Economic risk (HIGH): The drop in oil revenues…