Reforms Are Need Of The Hour, Not Stimulus Packages

Quantitative easing and stimulus packages in the Gulf region are not enough if they are not backed by a healthy dose of social and political reforms. Read More

The Gulf states have launched a $20-billion fund for Oman and Bahrain. Alif Arabia’s analysis remains the same - the Gulf needs more reforms, not short-term stimulus packages that burden the public sectors of these countries and strain their reserves.

Reuters:
Gulf Arab oil producers launched on a $20 billion aid package for Bahrain and Oman, both of which are facing anti-government protests inspired by uprisings across the Arab world.
The job-generating measure, which will give $10 billion to each country to upgrade their housing and infrastructure over 10 years, was
above the $10 billion to $15 billion indicated by officials during discussions this week.
…”Dear Bahraini … messages of unity, brotherhood and social harmony are our most powerful weapons to fight sectarian strife,” Bahrain’s Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmed al-Khalifa said on Twitter as he announced the aid package.