Egypt was anticipated to repay about USD 13B in international debt maturing in 2018. But on 16 October 2017, in a move expected to alleviate some pressure on its finances, Saudi Arabia and the UAE agreed to extend the maturity of USD 4B worth of deposits to Egypt.

In this week’s report, Arabia Monitor analyses the political developments surrounding the recent offensive against ISIS in Libya, and the persisting risks on the country’s oil sector.

As usual, changes in business confidence at the country level were varied. Increased optimism amongst CEOs in the main oil-exporting nations, including Qatar and Kuwait, contributed to the moderate uplift in regional sentiment. We explore the reasons for cautious but high optimism in Saudi Arabia. Nations where optimism eroded included Lebanon.

In the May MENA monthly, Arabia Monitor sheds light on the main developments that have taken place throughout the Middle East this past month. Our lead story is that of Yemen – the Arab world's poorest country. 

How have global Islamic banking assets grown and what proportion does MENA, and particularly the GCC, constitute? What catalysts are encouraging growth in the industry?

This quarter, Arabia Monitor conducts an analysis of the growing relations between the GCC and India with a focus on energy and merchandise trade, FDI and remittances as well as the existing barriers to investment.

Lebanon and Jordan have lost Iraq as a regional trade partner due to the advance of IS today, how will this impact the regional market? Meanwhile, things have been looking up for Egypt lately. Who will benefit from this positive development?

The Country views series shines the spotlight on specific developments in MENA countries, analysing them from a local perspective to deliver forward looking views for businesses and investors.

The MENA Outlook publication presents Arabia Monitor’s insights on global markets, outlines and analyses regional future trends and defining themes, and then focuses on individual country macroeconomic views. Each publication is laid out in a concise bullet point format and features a Special Feature interview with regional leaders including central bank governors, ministers and executives.

The Country views series shines the spotlight on specific developments in MENA countries, analysing them from a local perspective to deliver forward looking views for businesses and investors. With only half of eligible voters registered for the June 25...