In this interview, economist Abdullah Al Salloum explores the structure of Gulf economies and the risks of oil dependency, emphasizing the need for diversification and a stronger private sector. He also discusses the feasibility of a Gulf economic bloc and the reasons it has not materialized despite its potential benefits.
The conversation covers an evaluation of Saudi and Kuwaiti development visions, highlighting challenges in execution and long-term sustainability. It further examines taxation policies and their varying impact across different markets, as well as localization policies and their implications for export competitiveness.