Gulf governments must do more to encourage their citizens to work in the private sector. That’s the word from Masood Ahmed, regional head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He told ARN News that governments can no longer afford to be the default employer for young GCC nationals entering the workforce.
Listen
Earlier this week, the IMF cut its growth forecast for Saudi Arabia to 1.2%, blaming sharp cut-backs in government spending, as oil hovers below $30 a barrel. Ahmed said the UAE is better placed to weather the oil price downturn, thanks to its more diversified economy. He predicts the UAE’s non-oil economy to grow between 2.5 and 3% this year.

75,000 tourists welcomed during Dubai summer campaign
China's Huawei sets 2027 launch for new AI chips as it targets Nvidia
Arab Monetary Fund marks Golden Jubilee in Abu Dhabi
Aster to invest in International Modern Hospital under AED1bn UAE expansion plan
UAE unveils unified tourism identity, grand tour platform
