The Fourth Industrial Revolution impacts on every country in the Arab world but policymaking in response to new fintech like blockchain and cryptocurrencies varies widely.
Articles tagged: ‘Oman’
The maritime boundaries of the Arab Gulf states
Posted onIraq and the six GCC states share the Gulf with Iran and with each other. In many cases, maritime boundaries between them have been agreed; in other cases, disputes remain. Where offshore oil and gas deposits do not fall neatly under the sovereignty of one state, cooperative arrangements have often been instituted.
Controlling borders in the Arab world
Posted onFor Arab states, controlling their borders is often a challenging business. Cross-border cooperation and physical measures, aided by the latest technology, may help. Beggar-my-neighbour policies certainly won’t.
Gas
Posted ondifferent from oil. Vitally important to some MENA economies – Qatar, Algeria, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt.
Trump and the Iran deal: Arab reactions
Posted onSaudi Arabia and its close allies express guarded support for Trump. Most others stay on the fence. Iraq calls on US to reconsider.
Oman stays neutral
Posted onOman avoids taking sides against Iran or Qatar. IMF warns of need for substantial reform.
The Strait of Hormuz: vital to global energy supplies
Posted onWhile the Strait of Hormuz is vital to global energy supplies, closing it would be harder than might seem to be the case. IRGC provocation or miscalculation could, however, put shipping in the Strait in peril.
Oman sticking to its principles
Posted onOman at risk from the Qatar vs. four dispute. Has stuck to its neutrality, while benefiting materially from more trade with Qatar. So far the four have worn it, but the risks remain, above all from the lack of any consistent US policy.
Transparency & Aramco
Posted onDiscrepancies between Aramco revenue and official Saudi government oil income data; leaked documents shed light on royal family’s offshore investments.
Oman: Facing a Challenging Future
Posted onIn the 47 years of his rule, Sultan Qaboos has transformed Oman from a backward country to one which is in many ways modern. A further transformation will be needed if Oman is to make the transition to a post-oil economy.