Country Risk Reports
Oman Risk December 2017
Oman faces sizeable and lasting twin deficits and the prospect of a meagre growth outlook, while succession risk hangs over the sultanate. Economic risk (HIGH): The fall in the international…
Egypt Risk December 2017
The economy is showing signs of responding to the IMF medicine but security and domestic political issues remain a concern. Economic risk (MEDIUM): Strong growth, an easing in the private…
Bahrain Risk December 2017
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…
UAE Risk November 2017
The United Arab Emirates is a stable country in terms of politics and economics but has been affected by repercussions from the Qatar blockade. Economic risk (MEDIUM): Diversification away from…
Tunisia Risk November 2017
Tunisia is struggling to push through reforms after securing a $2.9bn credit line from the IMF and $8bn from regional allies. Political risks further may be lifting. Economic risk (MEDIUM):…
Qatar Risk November 2017
The stalemate between Qatar and the major GCC powers over the blockade raises the threat of risks to the economy and wellbeing of its citizens, denting the country’s reputation Qatar…
Kuwait Risk November 2017
The recession in 2017 should be a one-off but Kuwait still faces risks relating to the geopolitical and domestic political backdrop and the commercial environment. Economic risk (MEDIUM): Kuwait faces…
Saudi Arabia Risk November 2017
Reports that the Saudis are revising their economic transformation plan will cast doubt on their commitment to reform. Any failure to deliver will risk fiscal crisis, currency devaluation, rising unemployment…
Egypt Risk November 2017
The economy is showing signs of responding to the IMF medicine but security and domestic political issues remain a concern. Economic risk (MEDIUM): Strong growth, an easing in the private…
UAE Risk October 2017
The United Arab Emirates is a stable country in terms of politics and economics but has been affected by repercussions from the Qatar blockade. Economic risk (MEDIUM): Diversification away from…
Qatar Risk October 2017
The escalating diplomatic row with the major GCC powers raises the threat of risks to the economy and wellbeing of its citizens, denting the country’s reputation Qatar as a stable…
Lebanon Risk October 2017
Lebanon’s anaemic economic growth is due to the ongoing Syrian war, regional tensions, the refugee crisis and weak public finances. Economic risk (HIGH): Growth remains low. Lebanon is in a…
Kuwait Risk October 2017
Hefty reserves and an economic reform programme should see Kuwait through the oil price downturn but it faces risks relating to the geopolitical and domestic political backdrop and the commercial…
Saudi Arabia Risk October 2017
Reports that the Saudis are revising their economic transformation plan will cast doubt on their commitment to reform. Any failure to deliver will risk fiscal crisis, currency devaluation, rising unemployment…
Iran Risk October 2017
Optimism triggered by Rouhani’s re-election was offset by Donald Trump’s threat to cancel the nuclear deal although outside investors remain keen. Economic risk (MEDIUM): The lifting of sanctions should result…
Egypt Risk October 2017
The tough medicine of the $12bn IMF loan and a 55% currency devaluation is starting to cure the patient but security issues remain a concern. Economic risk (MEDIUM): An easing…
Tunisia Risk September 2017
Tunisia is struggling to push through reforms after securing a $2.9bn credit line from the IMF and $8bn from regional allies. Political risks further darken the outlook. • Economic risk…
Oman Risk September 2017
Oman faces sizeable and lasting twin deficits and the prospect of a meagre growth outlook, while succession risk hangs over the sultanate. • Economic risk (HIGH): The fall in the…
Morocco Risk September 2017
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…
Libya Risk September 2017
Implementing a true government of national unity is needed to mend economic and social destruction since the fall of Muammer Gaddafi. Risk levels remain extremely high. • Economic risk (HIGH):…
Egypt Risk September 2017
The tough medicine of the $12bn IMF loan and a 55% currency devaluation is starting to cure the patient but security issues remain a concern. • Economic risk (MEDIUM): An…
Bahrain Risk September 2017
Concerns over its external financing position combined with a more hardline authoritarian streak threatens to undermine its position as a financial centre and trade hub. • Economic risk (MEDIUM): The…
Algeria Risk September 2017
Risks to economic growth from the oil price fall have turned negative. The speed and scale of the fiscal consolidation programme have raised concerns. • Economic risk (MEDIUM): The economy…
Yemen Risk August 2017
A severe outbreak of cholera has added to the world’s worst humanitarian catastrophe since 1945 that shows signs of further deterioration. The failure of peace talks has reduced the already…
Qatar Risk August 2017
The escalating diplomatic row with the major GCC powers raises the threat of risks to the economy and wellbeing of its citizens, denting the country’s reputation Qatar as a stable…
UAE Risk August 2017
The United Arab Emirates is a stable country in terms of politics and economics but needs to continue to diversify further away from oil activities. • Political risk (LOW): Strong…
Sudan Risk August 2017
Sudan is finally set for a return to economic stability after the turmoil caused by secession of South Sudan after five years. However the negative political, economic and financial risks…
Kuwait Risk August 2017
Investment reform should lay the ground for economic recovery but it faces risks relating to the geopolitical and domestic political backdrop and the commercial environment. • Political risk (HIGH): The…
Saudi Arabia Risk August 2017
he kingdom has put an ambitious economic transformation plan in place to deal with lower oil prices. Any failure to deliver will risk a fiscal crisis, a currency devaluation, and/or…
Egypt Risk August 2017
The tough medicine of the $12bn IMF loan and a 55% currency devaluation is starting to cure the patient but high inflation and interest rates are a burden. • Political…