Interview with Amb. A. Dabbagh of SAGIA

What are the current key policies involved in the social and economic development of the Middle East?

There are a number of initiatives, whether they are created by the GCC or the Arab League, the integration of the Arab market and the introduction of a single currency. All of them will have a significant impact on the social and economic master plan of the Middle East. It will mean further integration, easy movement of goods, services and people within the region. Also the integration of the ME in the global economy, through the WTO and other initiatives, will further improve the legislative environment as well as enhance the transparency of the laws and regulations. It will make them adequate to the requirements of the global community. These changes are happening and will definitely have a significant impact on the social and economic development within the Middle East region.

What about the social and economic development in Saudi Arabia? You have a booming economy, the most expansive budget in decades, a new investment law, municipal elections