SYNOPSIS:

The Gulf has long been a region that’s economy has been buoyed by a singular natural resource. However, due to the rapid changes occurring related to demographics, as well as global energy geopolitics, Gulf nation economies are facing new challenges. In Iraq, extensive corruption seems to be plaguing the nation’s attempts to recover. Sanctions on Iran and the implosion of the JCPOA have left the nation in a state of economic panic that is only surpassed by Yemen dealing with the economic implications of being a failed state. Meanwhile, with changes related to global oil supplies, GCC nations have begun pursuing programs related to economic diversification and innovation. On the point of innovation have come numerous incubators and incentives to spark entrepreneurship amongst the Gulf’s youthful citizenry in order to reduce reliance on foreign workers and industries, and hopefully attain the demographic dividend. These domestic changes too have been reflected by increased internationalism, as Gulf nations flout their sovereign wealth funds to pursue foreign direct investment opportunities across the globe. What steps has the Gulf taken to innovate their economies? Why has the Gulf invested in energy projects abroad while simultaneously trying to diversify revenue sources? How will Iran cope with sanctions? Where do Gulf nations stand on their various economic modernization “visions? Are Gulf states taking the lead in the energy investments in the US, China, and other Asian economies?

All these crucial questions and topics were discussed in the second panel during GIF's Second Annual Conference "Complex Puzzle, Shifting Pieces: The Domestic, Regional & International Forces Reshaping the Gulf" on October 17, 2019.

SPEAKERS:

Tim Constantine (moderator): Opinion Writer for The Washington Times and Host of “The Capitol Hill Show”
Dania Thafer: Executive Director, Gulf International Forum
Dr. Tarek Yousef: Director, Brookings Doha Center
Dr. Jassim Hussein: Former Member, Parliament of Bahrain
Dr. Jean Francois Seznec: Adjunct Professor, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
Dr. Bessma Momani: Professor, University of Waterloo

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