Omar Al-Ubaydli
Non-Resident Fellow, AGSI
Omar Al-Ubaydli is a non-resident fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute. He is also an affiliated associate professor of economics at George Mason University; an affiliated senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center; an adjunct visiting professor at the King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals; and a non-resident fellow at Trends, UAE. His research interests include political economy, experimental economics, and the economics of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Al-Ubaydli previously served as a member of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Joint Advisory Board of Economists and a visiting professor of economics at the University of Chicago. He regularly publishes his research in international peer-reviewed academic journals, and his mainstream media articles appear in Arabic- and English-language newspapers and blogs such as Al-Hayat, The National, Forbes Opinion, and US News. Al-Ubaydli earned his BA in economics from the University of Cambridge and his MA and PhD in economics from the University of Chicago.
Analysis
The Bahraini Economy Might Benefit From Trump’s Tariffs
Bahrain’s free trade agreement with the United States might give Manama a golden opportunity to attract foreign capital and produce a diverse range of merchandise exports.
The Evolution of Bahrain’s Post-Pandemic Economic Philosophy
Bahrain’s post-coronavirus economic strategy positions the government as a venture capitalist, providing capital for strategic investments, but at the same time offering regulatory support for the private sector.
Why is GCC Inflation So Low?
Consumer prices have risen much less in the Gulf states than in the United Kingdom and United States largely because of the idiosyncrasies of GCC economies.
VAT Hike in Bahrain Points to Fiscal Challenges, Unattractive Choices Government Faced
Even though an increase in the VAT seems the most viable option, higher levels of public buy-in could be secured through greater transparency in fiscal policy.
Bahraini Marriages: Against Pandemic Odds, Tying the Knot Gets Easier
Economics may offer some insight into why Bahrainis tied the knot more frequently in 2020.
Gulf States’ Demographics Favorable to the Growth of the Sharing Economy
Gulf governments see the sharing economy as a source of jobs for young people and promising outlet for entrepreneurs.
Events
Jan 12, 2022
What’s in Store for the Gulf Region in 2022?
AGSIW hosted a session as part of Gulf Intelligence’s Global UAE Energy Forum 2022: “What’s in Store for the Gulf Region in 2022?”
Speakers
Sep 23, 2021
The European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council: A New Path for Cooperation?
On September 23, AGSIW hosted a discussion examining prospects and challenges for increased cooperation between the EU and Gulf countries.
Speakers
Jun 2, 2021
Reaching for the Golden Ticket: Long-Term Residency and Citizenship Schemes in the Gulf
On June 2, AGSIW hosted a discussion on the economic future of expatriates and citizens in the Gulf.
Speakers
