Public Policy in Gulf States

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Frontmatter

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2. 1. Introduction: Setting the Stage: Public Policy in the GCC During Times of Complexity and Transformation

   • Open Access

   Tamer Qarmout, Esmat Zaidan, Paul Joyce

   Abstract

   This book presents analyses and discussions of public policies in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates, the countries of the GCC. We probably ought to make clear right at the outset what we mean by “public policy.” We take the view that it is about government making purposeful choices that are intended to bring about solutions to problems or to bring into existence more desirable futures for society. We understand public policy processes to involve policy design and policy implementation. In this chapter we emphasize the shift from older types of policy making process to strategic policy making. We explore how the GCC countries are quite distinctive in their use of long-term strategic visions to steer policy and in turn national social and economic development. We note the normative foresight of the six countries and the challenges they face.

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3. Foundations of Governance and Economic Policy Shaping the Region

   1. Frontmatter

   2. 2. Resisting the Curse: The Success of the Family-Managed States in the Gulf Cooperation Council

      • Open Access

      Rahel M. Schomaker

      Abstract

      The countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council boast a rich resource endowment while having a very special governance structure, which is more reminiscent of the management of a family business than a state’s government. In that context, it can be asked which consequences one can expect not only from the institutional environment of these countries but also from this rich resource endowment—which is discussed in the literature as being more of a curse than a blessing—for economic performance. This chapter contributes to the ongoing debate by discussing these countries as being “family-owned” by ruling families. We assume this unique governance structure, combined with a large resource-based public income, to change how policies are being made, and to account for the high overall economic performance and superior anti-crisis reaction capabilities of these countries, outperforming their counterparts in other emerging regions.

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   3. 3. Escaping the Oil Curse: The Road to Economic Diversification in the GCC Region

      • Open Access

      Maryam Al-Kuwari

      Abstract

      Despite many efforts since the 1970s, GCC nations have not been able to escape the oil curse or to achieve economic diversification as a strategic means to escape this curse. As a result, their public finances, economies and societies have remained significantly exposed to fluctuations in oil demand and prices in response to global economic and political shocks. At present, however, most GCC countries are pursuing mega national projects as well as massive diversification and job localisation plans that are intended to revolutionise and modernise their economies in the future. The progress and outlook of these plans and strategies are discussed in this chapter. The opportunities and risks are both evaluated, and questions are raised about the practicality and effectiveness of these strategies. The chapter also makes a few recommendations with respect to introducing fiscal, economic, and educational reforms as well as calling for more transparency in public finances.

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   4. 4. SWFS in Small Gulf States: Harnessing Soft Power Balancing in the GCC Region

      • Open Access

      Héla Miniaoui, Nizar Jouini

      Abstract

      Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) have garnered increasing attention amidst the shifting geopolitical landscape of the Arabian Peninsula. Beyond their established role in fostering economic development and promoting socio-economic growth, SWFs have emerged as strategic tools for cultivating influence and advancing foreign and security policy objectives. This study examines the hypothesis that three small Gulf states—the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait—strategically utilize SWFs to expand their regional and international influence, balancing power in the face of significant geopolitical challenges within the GCC region. Through a comprehensive analysis of SWFs’ policymaking and implementation from a soft power perspective, this research sheds light on how these states leverage economic assets to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics and secure their strategic foreign and security strategic objectives.

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   5. 5. Government Ownership in GCC Countries: Toward Institutional and Governance Development and Reforms

      • Open Access

      Julia Barbar

      Abstract

      State-owned enterprises (SOEs) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are pivotal in driving economic diversification, infrastructure development, and job creation. This chapter explores the institutional and governance factors shaping SOEs’ operations and performance, underscoring the need for tailored policies to enhance their impact at both organizational and national levels. By examining ownership structures, regulatory frameworks, and market dynamics, it identifies key challenges and opportunities facing SOEs in the GCC. The analysis emphasizes the importance of transparent governance, strategic investment, and institutional reforms to fully realize the potential of SOEs for sustainable economic growth and long-term stability.

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4. Social Policy and Inclusion

   1. Frontmatter

   2. 6. Gender Diversity in GCC Countries: An Institutional Perspective

      • Open Access

      Julia Barbar

      Abstract

      Gender diversity is a critical priority for the GCC region as it modernizes and diversifies its economies. This chapter highlights the significance of empowering women and promoting their participation in the workforce for socio-economic development. Despite substantial investments in education, socio-cultural norms and institutional barriers still limit women’s full participation. The chapter reviews the current state of gender diversity at the micro, meso, and macro levels and provides policy recommendations to foster a more inclusive environment. By adopting an institutional perspective, it emphasizes the interaction between societal and regulatory systems, organizational conditions, and individual factors, offering insights for policy development to advance gender equality and sustainable economic growth in the GCC region.

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   3. 7. Disability Policymaking in the Arab Gulf States: An Uncharted Space

      • Open Access

      Sabika Shaban

      Abstract

      Disability policymaking within the Arab Gulf states has produced widely varied and often underwhelming results, and yet has not developed commensurate policy studies to examine policy-driven social development for persons with disabilities (PWDs). This chapter presents an overview of disability policymaking in the region, specifically focusing on the highly comparable states of Qatar, the UAE and Kuwait. The aims of the chapter are to first highlight the idiosyncratic features of these states and their relevance to disability policymaking, and second to reframe consequent challenges into opportunities for developing context-driven responsive policies for PWDs. The chapter employs a qualitative approach, drawing on theoretical frameworks, case studies and social dynamics that are relevant to the Gulf context. It provides recommendations for new conceptual frameworks, whole-of-government and whole-of-society outlooks and transformative approaches to policy design that can better ensure dignified lives for PWDs across various demographics in the Arab Gulf region.

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   4. 8. Challenges and Opportunities in Managing Diversity in Public Organizations in Qatar

      • Open Access

      Hiba Khodr

      Abstract

      The chapter aims at identifying the existing challenges that pose as barriers to achieve a more efficient and effective diversity management in the Qatari public sector. It also focuses on the opportunities as well as the stakeholders and their roles in facilitating the process. It uses document analysis as its main form of research design. Documents included key national policies and strategies and others available in the public domain. The analysis was organized into major themes and categories used for the content analysis which provided a preliminary account of the main gaps in the key policies. The chapter finds that there is a shortage of clear policies related to diversity management and a disconnection between the policy and strategic programs in place. The latter must address the identified obstacles and limitations, the cultural dilemmas, and the historical and social contexts. The chapter concludes with recommendations for a new strategic framework seeks to enhance cultural acceptance and inclusivity in the workplace and would ensure that all related policies are developed and implemented under procedures of policy experimentation, monitoring and evaluation, learning and adaptation.

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5. Youth, Mental Health, and Human Development

   1. Frontmatter

   2. 9. Youth Policy in Qatar: Navigating Structural Challenge

      • Open Access

      Mohammed Hashem Al-Hashemi

      Abstract

      This chapter is a follow-up to an extensive study that was conducted for a PhD dissertation in 2021 which evaluated the opportunities and challenges facing youth empowerment and participation in Qatar. On the one hand, the views of interviewees suggest that despite the progress, youth participation remains limited and frustratingly low. Moreover, the obstacles that impede the participation of women remain high, despite the fact that women already outnumber men in higher education by three to one. On the other hand, the persistent participation and involvement of young people in times of crisis or in major national events in support of state positions and policies has shown Qatar’s youth to be a responsible generation. Additionally, their voicing their demands for more inclusion at a time when the state announced the first comprehensive Qatar Youth National Plan in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 may indicate that a change in the approach to designing and implementing youth policies is underway.

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   3. 10. Qatar’s Mental Health Policies in Action: Exploring Patient Perspectives on Access and Care Services

      • Open Access

      Fatima Al-Ibrahim, Marwa Farag

      Abstract

      Despite the significant wealth and resources of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Qatar, the region continues to face a substantial mental health burden and unmet healthcare needs. Understanding the barriers to accessing mental health services is essential for developing effective policy interventions. Given the limited research on this topic in Arab and Muslim countries, this qualitative study addresses a critical gap in the existing literature. In-depth interviews with people who suffer or have suffered from mental health issues were conducted to learn their perspectives on access to mental health services in Qatar. Thematic analysis, combining deductive and inductive coding, indicates that barriers to access can be grouped into three interrelated categories: socio-cultural, health system, and those that lie at the intersection of the two. Socio-cultural barriers include a patient’s limited mental health literacy, stigma (i.e. apprehension about public perception and feeling personally ashamed), and traditional gender roles, which, though for different reasons, prove to be a barrier for both men and women. Health system barriers include difficulty in navigating the health system, wait times and “depressing” mental health care facilities. At the intersection of the two categories, patients spoke of the difficulty of choosing a health care provider because providers who shared their cultural background often recommended religious practice as treatment, which was counterproductive. On the other hand, it was difficult for “foreign” providers to relate. Finally, informed by patients’ perspectives and supporting evidence, the chapter offers preliminary recommendations for policy changes that are both patient-centred and patient-driven.

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6. Policy Responses to Regional and Global Challenges

   1. Frontmatter

   2. 11. Resilience and Reinvention: Qatar’s Defence Policy Shifts in Response to the Blockade (2017–2022)

      • Open Access

      Naif al Mari, Bakeel Alzandani

      Abstract

      This chapter delves into Qatar’s defence policy shifts after the blockade (2017–2022), analysing how they facilitated the adoption of a new defence strategy and contributed to the nation’s recovery and resilience. It examines the blockade’s origins, motives and effects on Qatar’s defence policy. The findings reveal Qatar’s re-evaluation of its military system, updates in weaponry, intensive army training and establishment of bilateral defence alliances. During the blockade, Qatar strategically invested in local market sustainability and domestic product quality through national factories and companies. Embracing defence diplomacy, Qatar pursued self-reliance and strengthened regional and international relations while avoiding conflicts. Notably, Qatar enhanced defence capabilities, fostered strategic partnerships and aligned with global technological advancements. This included forming alliances with influential nations like the United States and Turkey.

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   3. 12. Policymaking, Coordination and Cooperation During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of the GCC Countries

      • Open Access

      Faical Mansouri, Sawsen Bouker

      Abstract

      This chapter examines the process and circumstances of public policy in the Gulf region during the COVID-19 pandemic. It analyses COVID-19 impacts on the GCC countries as well as the state of policymaking to mitigate risk. Highlighting geopolitical and cultural factors that influenced policymaking and crisis management by Gulf countries during the pandemic, it shows that there are delays in adopting collaborative approaches due to geopolitical factors and bureaucratic development, suggesting the need to create more GCC-level institutions for enhanced collaboration.

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   4. 13. Policy Learning Through Mega-Events: Qatar's FIFA World Cup 2022 Experience in Sustainability Strategies and Capacity-Building Programming

      • Open Access

      Bushra Faizi, Deniz Can Ekren, M. Evren Tok

      Abstract

      This chapter analyzes Qatar’s experience of hosting a sustainable FIFA World Cup in 2022, attempted through innovative sustainability initiatives and international collaborations. Qatar’s ambitious policies and implementation efforts underscore the country’s leadership in sustainable event hosting and serve as a valuable blueprint for other nations, especially those in the Persian Gulf, aiming to enhance their sustainability practices within public policy design and mega-event management. Countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain can draw significant lessons from Qatar’s experience, such as the benefits of collaborative frameworks, the importance of innovation in sustainability initiatives, and the crucial role of capacity-building programs in promoting sustainable practices. Qatar's emphasis on setting new sustainability standards, overcoming institutional barriers, and implementing sustainability training initiatives provides critical considerations for policy design in Gulf countries. These nations can leverage Qatar's insights to foster partnerships, drive innovation, and educate stakeholders on sustainable development, thereby enhancing their preparedness to host eco-friendly mega-events and integrate sustainability into the core of their policy frameworks, set new benchmarks for future events, and ensure a legacy of environmental stewardship.

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7. Towards Governance Innovation and Partnership

   1. Frontmatter

   2. 14. Reconstructing Governance: Towards Effective Future Partnerships Between the Government, Private Sector and NGOs in Qatar

      • Open Access

      Nouf Alsulaiti, Moosa Elayah

      Abstract

      The current landscape of partnerships among the government, private sector, and non-governmental sector in Qatar reveals dynamics that are essential to understanding governance and public policymaking within welfare states. Drawing on a qualitative approach, 30 in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, and an analysis of relevant research documents, we have proposed a governance model designed to redefine government functions and devise a robust legal framework to govern and facilitate these partnerships. This framework establishes the roles and responsibilities of each sector, guarantees the protection of legal rights, and proposes the establishment of a supreme governing body, termed the Supreme Partnerships Council. We identified four enabling factors: (1) Efficient Regulatory Amendment, (2) Stakeholder Coordination, (3) Legal System Flexibility to accommodate sectoral evolution, and (4) Inclusiveness and Participation of all stakeholders. These insights offer practical perspectives for policymakers, government officials, and stakeholders seeking to enhance cross-sector partnerships to advance Qatar's national development goals.

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   3. 15. Locally Grounded, Globally Relevant: Crafting a New Public Policy Paradigm for the Gulf States

      • Open Access

      Esmat Zaidan, Paul Joyce, Tamer Qarmout

      Abstract

      The GCC stands at the threshold of a bold transition toward a new model of public policy, one that is responsive to the pressures of the present and anticipatory of the demands of the future. This emerging governance paradigm rests on diversity of thought, meaningful collaboration, and a firm commitment to innovation and sustainability. Ultimately, the GCC’s transition from rentier state legacies to resilient governance will depend on its ability to institutionalize innovation, inclusivity, and accountability at the heart of public policymaking. With an appropriate Affiliationids : Aff1 Aff2 Affiliationids : Aff3 Affiliationids : Aff3, Correspondingaffiliationid : Aff3 combination of visionary planning, inclusive decision-making, and sustained engagement at both regional and global levels, the GCC is well positioned to consolidate its role as a global leader in public policy and a source of valuable lessons for the wider world.

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