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on MENA - Middle East and North Africa |
| By: | Marie Petitet; Benjamin Ricaud; Frank Felder; Amro Elshurafa (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | Cross-border electricity trading in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) can provide cost and environmental benefits. However, for historical reasons, electricity trading has not reached a mature stage in this region. Based on a bespoke economic dispatch model for the 2030 horizon, this paper investigates the cost and emission implications of electricity trade in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries plus Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq. |
| Keywords: | Battery storage, Benefits of electricity trade, Business models, Climate change |
| Date: | 2024–06–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:dpaper:ks--2024-dp15 |
| By: | Yang Qiu; Puneet Kamboj; Mohamad Hejazi; Gokul Iyer; Page Kyle (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | The industrial sector plays a crucial role in the economy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Its energy consumption primarily relies on natural gas and oil due to the abundance of these resources and their relatively low administered prices. To reduce oil dependence and create a more sustainable and resilient economy, the KSA has adopted several important policies to improve energy efficiency, manage domestic energy consumption, and pursue ambitious climate targets. |
| Keywords: | Air conditioning, Applied general model, Article 6, Blockchain |
| Date: | 2024–06–30 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:dpaper:ks--2024-dp18 |
| By: | Muhammad Javid (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | The main objective of this paper is twofold. First, we attempt to identify the main determinants of domestic water demand in Saudi Arabia. In this respect, we estimate two sets of water demand models for Saudi Arabia from 1994 to 2021. In the first model, we estimate water demand as a function of water price, income, and population. In the second model, we add water-use efficiency (WUE) as an additional variable to examine its role in future domestic water demand. Second, our goal is to project the domestic water demand of Saudi Arabia by 2050 using estimated models 1 and 2. |
| Date: | 2024–03–31 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:dpaper:ks--2024-dp05 |
| By: | Rolando Fuentes; Amro Elshurafa (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | The objective of this study is to map the innovation network in the electricity sector and to identify its pivotal actors to inform policymaking, particularly in Saudi Arabia. This study, which is part of a larger series, aims to identify emerging technologies, anticipate changes and provide crucial insights into innovation. |
| Keywords: | Business models, Digitalization, Enregy transitions, Investments |
| Date: | 2024–03–28 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:dpaper:ks--2024-dp08 |
| By: | Fakhri Hasanov; Abdulelah Darandary; Ryan Alyamani (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | Saudi Vision 2030 (SV2030), the masterplan for the socioeconomic development of the Kingdom, places considerable emphasis on the development of the private sector in the diversification of the economy. This plan aims to have the private sector account for 65% of the total GDP of the Kingdom by 2030. As part of SV2030, the Financial Sector Development Program (FSDP), a program for the realization of targets and initiatives, was launched, aiming to enable and support financial institutions to promote the development of the private sector. Against this backdrop, we investigate the role of financial development (FD) in personal economic growth. We conduct a multivariate cointegration analysis using data from almost half a century in the extended production function framework. |
| Keywords: | Agent Based modeling, Analytics, Applied Research, Autometrics |
| Date: | 2023–12–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:dpaper:ks--2023-dp33 |
| By: | Puneet Kamboj; Mohamad Hejazi; Fateh Belaïd; Mohammad Aldubyan; Yang Qiu; Page Kyle; Gokul Iyer (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | In this paper, an economy-wide, net-zero pathway that enables Saudi Arabia to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060 is investigated, with a specific focus on the critical role played by the building sector. An exploration is undertaken of the significance of energy efficiency measures, the circular carbon economy framework and the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center’s instrumental contributions in reducing energy demand and GHG emissions within the building sector. |
| Keywords: | Air conditioning, Applied general model, Article 6, Blockchain |
| Date: | 2024–03–25 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:dpaper:ks--2024-dp07 |
| By: | Puneet Kamboj; Mohamad Hejazi; Yang Qiu; Page Kyle; Gokul Iyer (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | Decarbonizing the transport sector will likely play a crucial role for Saudi Arabia in fulfilling its target of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2060. While clear and immediate low-carbon or zero-carbon alternatives exist in some sectors, the transport sector faces challenges. For instance, there are promising solutions for passenger cars, but solutions for long-distance transport are still being developed or are in the early adoption phase. Understanding these challenges requires a comprehensive study of Saudi Arabia’s transport sector and the long-term impact of various policies on the industry. |
| Keywords: | Air conditioning, Applied general model, Article 6, Blockchain |
| Date: | 2024–01–22 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:dpaper:ks--2024-dp01 |
| By: | Yang Qiu; Gokul Iyer; Jay Fuhrman; Mohamad Hejazi; Puneet Kamboj; Page Kyle (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has pledged to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2060. Direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS) is critical for the country to meet its net-zero target given its reliance on fossil fuels and limited options for carbon dioxide (CO2) removal (CDR). |
| Keywords: | Air conditioning, Applied general model, Article 6, Blockchain |
| Date: | 2024–07–08 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:dpaper:ks--2024-dp23 |
| By: | Hossa Almutairi; Fateh Belaïd; Abdulelah Darandary (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | There is a consensus in the literature regarding the significant role of behavioral change in reducing the level of residential energy consumption. However, there is an ongoing debate concerning the most effective mechanisms and instruments with which to promote energy-efficient actions among individuals. In the Saudi Arabian context, leveraging behavioral economic concepts can play a crucial role in assessing how individual behaviors and lifestyles shape residential energy usage and influence energy consumption patterns. This study proposes a framework for designing behavioral interventions, including social norms, high-alert messages, and energy-saving tips, to reduce residential energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission levels in Saudi Arabia. |
| Keywords: | Agent Based modeling, Analytics, Applied Research, Autometrics |
| Date: | 2024–06–24 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:dpaper:ks--2024-dp10 |
| By: | International Monetary Fund |
| Abstract: | Saudi Arabia’s unprecedented economic transformation is progressing well. Strong domestic demand is keeping non-oil growth robust while unemployment is at record lows. Inflation is contained and the current account surplus is rapidly narrowing. The recalibration of the authorities’ investment plans would help reduce overheating risks and pressures on fiscal and external accounts. |
| Date: | 2024–09–04 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfscr:2024/280 |
| By: | International Monetary Fund |
| Abstract: | The FSAP took place against the backdrop of a robust economy driven by an ambitious state-led transformation agenda to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification (Vision 2030). The Kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund plays a key role in implementing and funding the economic transformation. The government’s initiative to promote homeownership and new economic sectors generated a surge in construction and credit. Managed by the National Development Fund, twelve state-owned development funds are undergoing major reforms, increasing their linkages with banks. At over 75 percent of total assets, the share of Islamic products in Saudi banks is one of the largest in the world. |
| Date: | 2024–09–04 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfscr:2024/281 |
| By: | Deghnouche Latra (University of Algiers 3 : Université d' Alger 3) |
| Abstract: | This paper explores the role of human capital in economic growth in the MENA region. This research proposes empirical approaches using panel data from 2007 to 2019, and employs appropriate econometric techniques. This work argues that investment in human capital is considered a crucial factor in influencing economic success. It is found that human capital has an influence on economic growth; however, this influence may not be as large which can limit a country's growth potential in the MENA region. |
| Keywords: | Human capital Economic growth MENA region Education Health Investment JEL Classification Codes: O15, I25, J24, O55, O53, O54, Human capital, Economic growth, MENA region, Education, Health, Investment JEL Classification Codes: O15, Digital Currency Cryptocurrency Bitcoin Internet Mining. JEL Classification Codes: D24 D41 M19 M39. Digital Currencies DEGHNOUCHE Latra, Digital Currency, Cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, Internet, Mining. JEL Classification Codes: D24, D41, M19, M39. Digital Currencies DEGHNOUCHE Latra |
| Date: | 2024–06–30 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04678421 |
| By: | Khalid Alhadhrami; Ahmed Al-Balawi; Shahid Hasan; Amro Elshurafa (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | With over seventy countries setting net-zero commitments by or around mid-century, low-carbon hydrogen (H2) is expected to play a pivotal role in the decarbonization of the global economy, especially sectors less dependent on electricity, which are often termed as hard-to-abate industries. |
| Date: | 2024–03–25 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:dpaper:ks--2024-dp04 |
| By: | Jeremy Rothfield; Mansour Al Rajhi (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | Bayesian vector autoregressions have been used by central banks to prepare short-term projections of quarterly GDP and other macroeconomic variables. The Bayesian approach offers the advantage that a researcher can use a priori knowledge to specify a prior distribution of the parameters. In this paper, we have combined monthly data for Saudi Arabia with quarterly fiscal and GDP variables to produce forecasts over an approximate 12-month period. |
| Keywords: | Economic Growth and Convergence |
| Date: | 2024–05–23 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:dpaper:ks--2024-dp17 |
| By: | Ibrahem Shatnawi; Jeyhun Mikayilov (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | The adoption of more stringent fuel economy standards represents a pivotal pathway toward achieving net zero emissions in the transportation sector. By steadily increasing the fuel efficiency of vehicles, this approach drives a gradual but consistent decline in emissions. When coupled with the simultaneous integration of electric and alternative fuel vehicles into the market, the goal of net zero emissions becomes increasingly feasible. |
| Date: | 2024–07–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:dpaper:ks--2024-dp21 |
| By: | King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | Developing clean hydrogen industries and markets are strategically crucial for Saudi Arabia and China to achieve their net-zero climate goals. Saudi Arabia has made significant progress in hydrogen development from extraction to commercialization. Different options for galvanizing clean hydrogen production are being explored, with the goal of reaching four million tons of clean hydrogen annually by 2030, most of which will be exported to major energy consumers in East Asia and Europe. China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of hydrogen. The construction of an integrated hydrogen industry by 2035 will promote the use of hydrogen across the transportation, energy storage, and industrial sectors. |
| Keywords: | Belt and Road, Capital expenditure, Circular Carbon Economy (CCE), CO2 emissions |
| Date: | 2024–02–25 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:wbrief:ks--2024-wb01 |
| By: | Sid Ahmed Hamdani; Rami Shabaneh (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the role of the Middle East and Africa (MEA) in supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe in the context of sustained Russian gas pipeline disruptions. |
| Keywords: | Energy Trade |
| Date: | 2024–05–23 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:dpaper:ks--2024-dp12 |
| By: | International Monetary Fund |
| Abstract: | Much progress has been achieved in strengthening Saudi Arabia’s banking regulatory and supervisory framework in recent years, and additional enhancements are under preparation. Recent updates to primary and secondary legislation include the Saudi Central Bank Law (SCBL; 2020), the Anti-Money Laundering Law (2017), and regulations to address emerging risks such as financial fraud and cyber risks. The authorities intend to use the new draft Banking Control Law (BCL) to further strengthen the framework. Public consultation on the Bill ended in early-2023 and as the authorities consider the feedback received, the findings of this assessment will prove useful in finalizing the Bill and further align the framework with the Basel Core Principles (BCP). |
| Date: | 2024–09–04 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfscr:2024/282 |
| By: | King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | Rising ambitions for an energy transition are changing how energy suppliers and consumers think about fuel supply chains. These energy transition ambitions have revitalized interest in alternative energies and technological solutions that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to combat climate change. For example, hydrocarbon producers are considering several technological pathways to decarbonize their oil and gas value chains, including carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) and hydrogen energy. Energy-importing countries are wary of the carbon intensity of fossil fuels and are increasingly taking measures to prevent “carbon leakages.” |
| Keywords: | Circular Carbon Economy (CCE), Saudi Arabia |
| Date: | 2024–01–02 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:wbrief:ks--2023-wb02 |
| By: | Tören, Tolga |
| Abstract: | Since the beginnings of the 2000s, but especially in the aftermath of the 2008 crisis in Turkey, many policy texts as well as publications expressing the expectations of the business community began to emphasise the importance of the transport sector for the Turkish economy, based on the claim that the country's transport infrastructure should be built in such a way as to connect production centres with the market at the highest possible speed and at the lowest possible cost. During this period, many infrastructure investments in the form of public-private partnership projects (PPP) in many areas of the transport sector, especially motorways and airports, came to the fore in Turkey, and some strategically important ports, roads or railway institutions began to be subjected to privatisation, commercialisation and deregulation. Another dimension of the process mentioned above is the projects that aim not only to make large investments in transport, called "megaprojects", but also to articulate public urban spaces to these megaprojects by commodifying these spaces through the creation of new rental areas, as in the case of the Haydarpaşa Railway Station, which was opened in 1872 in İstanbul's Asian-side district of Kadıköy beside the Bosphorus with the idea that the freight carried by trains reaching the station could be transferred to the ships in the Bosphorus (Fuhrmann, 2022; Middleton, 2011; Wikipedia, 2023a). In 2004, the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government included the station and a million square metre area of the port next to the station in the urban transformation project, which included many examples of gentrification, such as turning the area into a gallery of shopping malls, luxury hotels, luxury apartments and marinas. The project had a complementary relationship with another project, the Marmaray Tube, which connects the Anatolian and European sides of İstanbul with a tube under the Marmara Sea. This means that the Marmaray Tube allows passengers travelling to İstanbul by train from Anatolian cities, or by suburban train from districts on the Anatolian side of İstanbul, to bypass the Haydarpaşa station and travel to the European side through a tunnel under the Marmara Sea. Once the Marmaray Tube is launched, passengers using rail transport would be able to cross to the European side through the Marmaray Tube instead of the ferries that leave Haydarpaşa and reach the opposite shore in about 15 minutes (Fuhrmann, 2022). Therefore, the restructuring of Haydarpaşa station and its surroundings as a rent-seeking area and the Marmaray Tube project were closely linked. In fact, Haydarpaşa station was closed to train traffic after the Marmaray Tube was inaugurated in 2013. (...) |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:gluwps:302302 |
| By: | Kalaitzi, Athanasia |
| Abstract: | This study examines the causality between basic, technology-intensive, and differentiated manufacturing exports and economic growth in Kuwait using data from 1970 to 2021 and two augmented production function models: one with natural resource exports (Model 1) and the other without on both sides of the model (Model 2). The Johansen cointegration and the autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) bound tests are conducted to examine the long-run relationship between the variables. In addition, the Granger causality test in a vector autoregressive framework (VAR) and the Toda–Yamamoto test are employed to explore the directions of the short- and long-run causality between variables, respectively. The empirical results of Model 1 indicate that neither of the decomposed manufacturing exports directly causes economic growth in the short or long run at any conventional significance level, whereas natural resource exports cause economic growth, basic and technology-intensive manufactured exports in the short-run at the 5% level. Model 2 estimations confirm the absence of direct causality between decomposed manufacturing exports and economic growth, whereas a long-run causality runs from output net of natural resource exports to basic manufactured exports at the 10% level. Both model estimations indicate that all the variables jointly cause economic growth and basic manufactured exports in the short and long run, directly or indirectly through imports, confirming the existence of a circular causation. These findings can serve as the basis for designing specific export–import policies to foster diversification and a sustainable economic growth in line with Kuwait’s Vision 2035. |
| Keywords: | causality; Kuwait; manufactured exports; natural resource exports; Springer deal |
| JEL: | N0 R14 J01 |
| Date: | 2024–10–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:124521 |
| By: | Latifa Bouchaoui (ESCA Ecole de Management, Morocco); Azzeddine Allioui1 (ESCA Ecole de Management, Morocco) |
| Abstract: | This scientific article delves into the intricate relationship between the net assets of Organismes de Placement Collectif en Valeurs Mobilières (OPCVM) and the revenues of the Moroccan Capital Market Authority (AMMC). Through a meticulous analysis, the study unveils a substantial influence of OPCVM commissions on AMMC's income. While affirming the direct correlation between changes in commissions and AMMC revenues, the research acknowledges the nuanced interplay of numerous factors, including the return rate of OPCVM, operational costs, economic conditions, and regulatory policies. The study employs theoretical economic mechanisms to validate the findings, recognizing both the alignment with established theories and the presence of unexplained variations in revenue trends. The implications for AMMC practitioners and decision-makers are underscored, emphasizing the necessity of monitoring and adjusting OPCVM commissions to optimize revenues and ensure financial viability. The study concludes by acknowledging its limitations and calling for continued exploration, offering a robust framework for future research on contextual variables and tariff policy adjustments to maximize AMMC revenues. |
| Keywords: | OPCVM commissions, AMMC revenues, financial management, Economic impact, Revenue trends, Regulatory policies |
| Date: | 2024–05 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:smo:raiswp:0368 |
| By: | Ahmed Al-Balawi; Nora Nezamuddin; Frank Felder; Abdelrahman Muhsen; Amro Elshurafa (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center) |
| Abstract: | Floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) have recently gained traction and are being installed in several regions of Europe and Asia. These turbines use the same technology as typical offshore wind turbines but are not directly anchored to the seabed. Instead, they are tethered with mooring lines and can float in the water within a predefined range of movement. This feature could enable development opportunities in areas with a water depth greater than 60 meters (i.e., the limit of current seabed-anchored offshore wind turbines). One of the main obstacles in developing offshore wind turbines in the Red Sea is the water depth, which is greater than 60 meters. Hence, FOWTs are a viable option. |
| Keywords: | Battery storage, Benefits of electricity trade, Business models, Climate change |
| Date: | 2024–05–05 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:prc:dpaper:ks--2024-dp11 |
| By: | Salma Muftah Almasrite (University of Benghazi); Salah Mabruk (University of Zintan.Libya) |
| Abstract: | The objective of this study was to investigate and assess the influence of certain human resource management functions (human resources planning, recruitment and selection, and human resource training) on building a learning organization among employees in the general industrial organizations operating in the city of Benghazi. The study included all employees in the general industrial organizations in Benghazi, encompassing a total of (5959) employees. A random sample of (361) individuals was selected for the study. Data relating to the study's subject were gathered through a questionnaire. The data analysis and hypothesis testing were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Several statistical analyses were conducted, including frequency tables, means, and standard deviations. The impact was assessed through multiple regression analysis to explore the statistically significant influence of certain human resource management functions (human resource planning, recruitment and selection, and human resource training) on the construction of a learning organization in the industrial organizations under investigation. The study showed that the level of implementation and practice of these human resources functions among the employees in the studied industrial organizations is notably high, with an overall mean of (3.51), surpassing the average of the scale. This points to the importance of the role played by human resources in achieving excellence and success for these organizations. In conclusion, the study recommends that organizations pay greater attention to human resources management functions, particularly in the domain of human resources recruitment and selection. This involves appointing the most qualified human talents and implementing training programs to enhance the skills and capabilities of employees, fostering teamwork and team building. |
| Keywords: | Human Resources Functions Learning Organization Public Industrial Organizations Benghazi Jel Classification codes : O15 J53 M12 M54 L16 L3, Human Resources Functions, Learning Organization, Public Industrial Organizations, Benghazi Jel Classification codes : O15, J53, M12, M54, L16, L3 |
| Date: | 2023–12–30 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04680600 |
| By: | Pathak, Pathik; Jacob, Chandni; Espejo, Irene Ruiz; Boxall, Jessica; Bastable, Emily; Norton, Frankie |
| Abstract: | Background: The escalating hostilities with Israel that began on 7 October 2023 have intensified the already dire situation in Gaza, with power outages and severe shortages of medicines and health supplies crippling hospitals' ability to deliver life-saving care. Using Gaza as a case study, in this article we introduce the concept of “justice-orientated statistical counter-stories”. Methods: We argue that traditional statistics distort reality, hide disparities, and generally misrepresent social and environmental issues. We show that by making “adjustments” based on identifiable flaws in raw statistical datasets we can rectify this problem and offer an alternative view. We illustrate the principles of justice-oriented statistical counter-stories by examining the aid flow to Gaza in 2023 from major OECD countries. Results: Our justice-orientated analytical lens shows how the rankings for OECD countries shift significantly when we factor in donor nations’ GDP and military aid donations to Israel, who are propagating a war against the Palestinian people. Our paper also identifies some of the key methodological challenges in making such adjustments (issues of aggregated data, asymmetrical data periods and unavailable data). Conclusion: We conclude by emphasising the broader implications of “justice-orientated statistical counter-stories” for understanding not only aid flows, but global development and the representation of social and environmental issues. |
| Date: | 2024–09–05 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:dahb6 |