Country Risk Rating

Russia and China are defending their ties with Iran as both face rising pressure from the US to impose further economic sanctions. One of Iran's nuclear power plants is on schedule... 2010-08-24

Power shortages in Sharjah illustrate the demographic challenges faced by the UAE government in the face of rapid population growth and limited resources. One worker died, cases of... 2010-07-26

According to the latest data from the Kuwaiti statistical authorities, Kuwaiti nationals only comprise 31.6% of the total population. While the influx of foreign workers has been essential... 2010-07-26

Bahraini voters take to the polls in September or October 2010, and political noise is already rising. Members of the predominant opposition 'society' al-Wefaq claim that the electoral... 2010-07-23

We stated at the beginning of the Obama presidency that the new president would not take a materially different stance to his predecessors on relations with Saudi Arabia, with pragmatic... 2010-07-23

Plans to increase sales taxes by up to 70% have been hastily withdrawn by the Iranian government following ongoing strikes by Tehran's bazaar - usually considered a crucial support... 2010-07-23

The Yemeni government has been subject to several attacks by Al-Qaeda militants. The latest assault on a government intelligence centre in Aden, resulting in 11 deaths, is likely to... 2010-06-29

A squabble blew up in early May after Bahrain nominated a candidate for GCC secretary-general, Mohammad al-Mutawa, who is particularly disliked in Qatar as a result of his role in leading... 2010-06-28

Upholding our relatively low rating for the policy formation aspect of the Saudi government's legislative abilities, recent developments highlight that the government could further... 2010-06-28

The UAE has shut 40 firms which had been associated with Iran's Revolutionary Guards or nuclear enrichment programme. In our view, the move will negatively impact trade relations between... 2010-06-28