Market Watch

A blog seeking to provide insights from the crossroads of Gulf politics and finance.

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The Contradiction at the Heart of the Aramco IPO

The Saudi government does not see a viable, long-term future in oil and gas but continues to hope that investors will measure the country’s crown jewel, Saudi Aramco, differently.

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Expectation Gap Clouds Saudi Arabia’s Investment Climate

Global investors’ interest in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious economic transformation hinges on their ability to secure lucrative commercial opportunities in the country.

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Iran May Pay To Play in Crypto Amid Sanctions, Financial Tensions

Cryptocurrency activity is unlikely to offer the Iranian regime an immediate avenue for evading crippling U.S. sanctions.

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As Personnel Shuffle, the PIF Marches Steadily to Saudi Vision 2030 Beat

The reshuffling of top officials in Saudi Arabia’s flagship state-owned firms and key ministries underscores the growing authority of the Public Investment Fund.

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Bahrain and Abu Dhabi Compete to be Gulf’s Cryptocurrency Hub

The heightened interest in cryptocurrencies across the Gulf is taking place alongside global efforts to both regulate digital assets and attract cryptocurrency firms.

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Diversified Investment in UAE Shaping China’s Economic Role in the Gulf

Despite a large appetite among Gulf Arab states for Chinese investment and trade, the UAE has emerged as China’s primary economic partner in the region.

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Fiscal and Security Pressures Highlight, and Threaten, Oman’s Unique Position in the Region

As fiscal constraints increase, tensions in the Gulf rise, and uncertainties surrounding political transition loom, Oman’s role in the Gulf Arab region could come under pressure.

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Course Correction Ahead for Gulf-Based Airlines

The model of the low-cost carrier has penetrated the Gulf region, and for the state-owned airlines Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways, maintaining their positions as industry leaders will be contingent on the ability to cut costs where the competition cannot.

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Aramco and ADNOC: Playing the Long Game

Saudi Aramco's and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s overseas investment initiatives could serve to lay the framework for a Saudi-Emirati energy partnership that accelerates each company’s ambition of challenging global oil and gas majors.

For the OPEC+ Oil Producers, a Year of Caution Paid Off

As 2024 comes to a close, oil markets remain under a cloud of uncertainty shaped by geopolitical risks, weaker-than-expected Chinese demand, and an evolving energy transition landscape.

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Through its careful examination of the forces shaping the evolution of Gulf societies and the new generation of emerging leaders, AGSIW facilitates a richer understanding of the role the countries in this key geostrategic region can be expected to play in the 21st century.

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