Childcare for a working mother is challenging anywhere in the world. Reuters
Workplace daycare can be better. Why isn't it?

Despite significant progress in women's empowerment in the region, a provision of workplace childcare is yet to be legally mandated

September 18, 2024, 4:00 AM
The Manama skyline. Since 2000, Bahrain’s economic strategy has emphasised creating an environment that draws in foreign capital through regulatory and fiscal inducements. Reuters
Bahrain's new tax isn't just about boosting revenues

The move is to demonstrate its consistent commitment to global co-operation and rule of law

September 09, 2024, 5:00 AM
Prospective hires are unsure about which managers are supportive and contribute to their development. Getty
Some 'wasta' can be good for everyone, if you know how to use it

Economic theory tells us sometimes it’s healthy to use connections at work

August 21, 2024, 7:00 AM
Calls for universal basic income have lately grown due to the fear of AI-induced job losses. AFP
Gulf states can fill the knowledge gap on universal basic income

Gathering evidence about the pros and cons of such a payment is complex and time consuming. Gulf societies are uniquely placed to inform policymakers

August 07, 2024, 4:00 AM
Oman’s rial currency is pegged to the dollar, but the cost of a taxi ride varies according to the driver. Silvia Razgova / The National
The Gulf has thrived without income tax but times are changing

Before oil, Gulf states limited themselves to internal security and external defence. Since then, their array of high-quality public services demand more revenue

July 24, 2024, 4:00 AM
People attend a protest seeking an emergency order halting US support for Israel's war in Gaza, in Oakland, California, in January 26. Reuters
Elections in the West are a sign to the Middle East to resolve issues internally

For better or worse, a wave of western apathy is imminent and it signals to the region to resolve its own problems

July 10, 2024, 7:00 AM
A book fair being hosted at Al Safa Art and Design Library in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
As Gulf countries continue to grow, they need more public libraries

Studies, including the latest from the US, suggest that these institutions boost children’s intellectual capabilities

June 26, 2024, 7:00 AM
When an entrepreneur establishes a new business, no matter how brilliant the idea, at some point they will need external investment for their company to grow. Victor Besa for The National
Start-ups need a nurturing parent, not a suffocating in-law

Agile Gulf governments are better placed than many to avoid the errors states often make when they get involved in the private sector

June 12, 2024, 7:00 AM
The success of the Emirates’ strategy is reflected in persistently high inward FDI flows, and the absence of any notable capital flight following the imposition of the tax. The National
The UAE's corporate tax is about more than raising revenue

Introduced a year ago, the 9% levy prevents other leading business hubs from undercutting the Emirates and allows it to further embrace multilateralism

May 29, 2024, 4:00 AM
Bishop Paolo Martinelli during the Easter service held at the Church at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National
Religious tolerance is at the core of the Gulf's strategic thinking

Countries such as the UAE are trying to reform religion’s traditional role to reap its benefits without incurring its costs

May 14, 2024, 4:00 AM
GCC states have experienced unprecedented economic success in recent years. Silvia Razgova / The National
The Gulf's economic rise should prompt its economists to meet the moment

GCC economists are underrepresented in academic research, but there are ways to fix that

May 01, 2024, 4:00 PM
Electric vehicle models are on display at a shopping mall in Beijing. China has overtaken the US in terms of global unit sales of EVs. Reuters
Why America should think twice before banning Chinese EVs

The challenge in front of the US government is to distinguish security threats from lobbying efforts

April 26, 2024, 4:00 AM
Solar panels in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm El Sheikh. Middle East countries stand to gain when they use energy relations as a conduit for better partnerships. Reuters
Can the Middle East use economic integration as a vehicle for peace?

The European model of the past half a century is worth emulating, but not blindly copying

April 03, 2024, 4:00 AM
A volunteer prepares Iftar meal for low-wag workers during a charity Iftar (breaking fast) by a local mosque in Adliya, Bahrain, March 30, 2023.  REUTERS / Hamad I Mohammed
In Muslim countries, fasting increases happiness even if economic growth stalls

Ramadan has a positive affect on people’s subjective well-being and is a reminder that less can be more

March 13, 2024, 2:00 PM