The GCC countries have entered a period of higher interest rates - their US$ currency pegs mean regional central banks mirror US Fed hikes. Our...
MENA | Commodity price shock is a mixed blessing for MENA
Posted by Maya Senussi on Mar 14, 2022
Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the evolving global response will be felt in the MENA economies mainly via the impact on commodity prices. Fuel...
Middle Eastern Cities: The long-term outlook
Posted by George Bowen on Jan 31, 2022
In 2021, there were 16 Urban Economic Powerhouses in the world (cities with GDP greater than $500bn), but none were located in the Middle East. By...
Global Cities | Urbanisation continues, led by rapid growth in African cities
Posted by Anthony Bernard-Sasges on Jan 24, 2022
In the next two decades, the world’s 900 major cities will experience a combined population increase of nearly 600 million people. While the largest...
Egypt | When hot money is not so hot
Posted by Callee Davis on Jan 18, 2022
Egypt has become a bit too reliant on portfolio inflows to keep its external position afloat. This is a vulnerable position, and a sudden shift in...
MENA | Saudi Q2 GDP and budget deficit, Egypt inflation
Posted by Ahmad Esam on Aug 13, 2021
Saudi Arabia’s GDP rose 1.5% y/y in Q2 according to the flash estimate. This was mainly driven by a boost from non-oil activity, which increased...
Africa | DRC and Zambia to cash in on the copper bull run
Posted by Irmgard Erasmus on May 25, 2021
Africa may be best known for its wealth of gold, diamonds, and oil, but the mineral-rich continent also hosts significant copper reserves. The red...
Global | Vaccine distribution progress & impact on travel recovery
Posted by Helen McDermott on Apr 16, 2021
The global travel recovery has remained elusive so far. Vaccination is underway in 150 countries and will play a vital role in the easing of travel...
Africa | Mapping the continent's consumer spending landscape
Posted by Jacques Nel on Mar 30, 2021
The total Cairenes consumer spending is estimated at $79.2bn in 2020, with Cairo also being one of the few cities that managed to record an increase...
Global | City travel falls and recovery: impacts of COVID-19 on city tourism
Posted by Tourism Economics on Sep 28, 2020
The COVID-19 outbreak has devastated city tourism, with global city arrivals forecast to decline 58% in 2020, equivalent to the loss of 373mn visitor...