Economic Performance of Arabian Countries during the 1990s

Abstract

This chapter outlines the economic performance of Arabian countries over the last decade. The economic growth of Arabian countries (as measured by real GDP) slowed over 1982–91, averaging 1.6 per cent compared to 4 per cent for other developing countries over the same period. This slowness led to low levels of investment and high levels of unemployment. This was also associated with rising levels of external indebtedness and fiscal deficits, especially for non-oil exporting countries forcing many Arabian countries to undertake macroeconomic reforms to promote economic growth.