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Publications.

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 11:58:05 GMT

Evaluating the "Dubai Model": The Case of Djibouti (Executive Summary) • DSG • Report • None • Ethan Chorin • 544 •

Since 2000, the Emirate of Dubai has cultivated a relationship with the African country of Djibouti that is unusual in both its scope and depth. Indeed, Dubai’s investments in this "micro-state" at the foot of the Red Sea touch almost every sector of the economy, from transport and shipping to construction and tourism. In all, Dubai-based entities have been responsible for channeling more than $1.5 billion in foreign investment into Djibouti’s ports, free zone and hospitality sectors since 2000.

To many, what Dubai and its Djiboutian partners have accomplished represents a blueprint for public-private partnerships in Africa, and compares highly favorably to direct aid and other investment approaches currently being implemented on the continent. Coming in the midst of the greatest global economic crisis since the Great Depression, such experiments underscore the extent to which Dubai’s value proposition—and its legacy—are tied to activity beyond the Emirates.

The monograph begins by examining the context for, and origins of, Dubai’s partnership with Djibouti. What led the UAE and Dubai to Djibouti in the first place? Was there something about Dubai’s own development trajectory that made an alliance with Djibouti especially logical or attractive? How planned and coordinated were the investments made by Dubai- and UAE-based entities? This section gives a historical overview of the Djiboutian economy, as well as the regional context for port-led development.

The second part of the monograph looks carefully at how Dubai’s involvement since 2000 has impacted the Djiboutian economy, beginning with macro indicators, and moving on to such areas as employment and training, regional security, etc. Also examined are ways in which Dubai-based ent

Publications.

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 07:01:37 GMT

The Development of a Gulf Carbon Platform: Mapping out the Gulf Cooperation Council Carbon Exchange • DSG • Working Paper • DSG-DI WP 01 • Justin Dargin • •

The countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have some of the highest greenhouse gas emissions rates per capita in the world. This paper argues that in spite of the extremely high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions rates, GCC members will benefit economically, environmentally and geopolitically by constructing a harmonized pan-GCC carbon trading platform that will allow them to make cost-efficient decisions about greenhouse gas abatement. A thorough analysis is undertaken to determine which GHG abatement mechanism would be the best suited for the GCC, with maximum cost and environmental benefits. Based on the unique characteristics of the GCC members, a pan-GCC cap-and-trade framework is suggested. Optimally, policy makers would institute it in a phased, voluntary introduction, to be gradually replaced by a mandatory scheme. If the GCC countries implement such a system, they would be able to rationalize their energy usage for domestic power production, and conserve their oil and gas production for future generations.

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The author argues that in spite of the extremely high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions rates, GCC members will benefit economically, environmentally and geopolitically by constructing a harmonized pan-GCC carbon trading platform that will allow them to make cost-efficient decisions about greenhouse gas abatement. This paper is the first of a series of working papers published jointly by the Dubai School of Government and the Dubai Initiative.

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Publications.

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 05:54:45 GMT

Healthcare Challenges in the Gulf Cooperation Council • DSG • Proceedings/Transcripts • None • • •

"Healthcare Challenges in the Gulf Cooperation Council," a one-day conference jointly organized by the Dubai School of Government (DSG), The Harvard Medical School Dubai Center for Postgraduate Education and Research (HMSDC), and the Dubai Harvard Foundation for Medical Research (DHFMR), was held on November 19, 2009 at the Dubai School of Government. The event was held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Hanif Hassan, UAE Minister of Health, and was hosted jointly by Dr. Tarik Yousef, Dean of the Dubai School of Government, and Dr. Ajay Singh, Chief Academic Officer of the Harvard Medical School Dubai Center.

• "Healthcare Challenges in the Gulf Cooperation Council," a one-day conference jointly organized by the Dubai School of Government (DSG), The Harvard Medical School Dubai Center for Postgraduate Education and Research (HMSDC), and the Dubai Harvard Foundation for Medical Research (DHFMR), was held on November 19, 2009 at the Dubai School of Government. The event was held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Hanif Hassan, UAE Minister of Health, and was hosted jointly by Dr. Tarik Yousef, Dean of the Dubai School of Government, and Dr. Ajay Singh, Chief Academic Officer of the Harvard Medical School Dubai Center. • • 493 KB • •

Publications.

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 05:40:43 GMT

Governance and Information Technology: From Electronic Government to Information Government (Arabic) • DSG • Book • Book • Fadi Salem, Viktor Mayer-Schönberger, David Lazer, Yasar Jarrar • 264,2093,260 •

About the editors (PDF, 73KB) (Arabic)
Introduction (PDF, 80KB) (Arabic)
Contents (PDF, 113 KB) (Arabic)

Developments in information and communication technology and networked computing over the past two decades have given rise to the notion of electronic government, most commonly used to refer to the delivery of public services over the Internet. This volume argues for a shift from the narrow focus of "electronic government" on technology and transactions to the broader perspective of information government—the information flows within the public sector, between the public sector and citizens, and among citizens—as a way to understand the changing nature of governing and governance in today’s information society.

Contributors discuss the interplay between recent technological developments and evolving information flows, and the implications of different information flows for efficiency, political mobilization, and democratic accountability. The chapters are accompanied by short case studies from around the world, which cover such topics as electronic government efforts in Dubai, Singapore and Switzerland and the U.S.

Published by the Dubai School of Government, the Arabic edition includes further additions focusing on Arab countries. It is edited by Fadi Salem (Dubai School of Government), Viktor Mayer-Schönberger (Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Polic

Publications.

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 11:53:19 GMT

Teacher Quality, Gender and Nationality in the United Arab Emirates: A Crisis for Boys • DSG • Working Paper • WP 10-06 • Natasha Ridge • 406 •

While much attention within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been paid to the poor quality of school education, the discussion has yet to move beyond Western conceptions of issues related to teacher quality and student achievement. School inspections conducted in Dubai (KHDA 2009) found that government schools, and boys’ schools in particular, were the worst performing schools in the Emirate, a finding supported by the 2007 TIMSS results and by Ministry of Education (MOE) examination results for the UAE as a whole. However, despite rising concerns about the poor performance of boys, policy makers to date have failed to examine the quality of the expatriate, male teachers who are largely responsible for teaching them.

This paper looks at teacher quality within the UAE, casting it as a function of teacher background characteristics, school characteristics and institutional characteristics. The data used was gathered from teacher observations, student surveys and teacher questionnaires conducted in eight MOE secondary schools. The paper finds that there are deficiencies in the recruitment, training and ongoing management of male, expatriate teachers, which may explain, at least in part, the poor performance and retention of boys.

• This paper looks at teacher quality within the UAE, casting it as a function of teacher background characteristics, school characteristics and institutional characteristics. The data used was gathered from teacher observations, student surveys and teacher questionnaires conducted in eight MOE secondary schools. The paper finds that there are deficiencies in the recruitment, training and ongoing management of male, expatriate teachers, which may explain, at least in part, the poor perfor

Publications.

Mon, 24 May 2010 11:39:13 GMT

Distinguished Speaker Series: Mahathir Mohamad • DSG • Proceedings/Transcripts • None • • •

In "Nation Building: Malaysia’s Experience," former Malaysian Prime Minister outlined how public policy in Malaysia was formulated to both spur dynamic economic growth as well as maintain social stability. The address was given at the Dubai School of Government on May 6, 2010.

• On May 6, 2010, former Malaysian Prime Minister outlined how public policy in Malaysia was formulated to both spur dynamic economic growth as well as maintain social stability. • • 308 KB • •

Publications.

Mon, 17 May 2010 09:35:52 GMT

When Hierarchy Helps: Value Congruence and Creative Performance in Asian-Dominated Multicultural Teams • DSG • Working Paper • WP 10-05 • Susan Crotty • •

Imposing participatory management styles in hierarchical cultures hurts employee performance and satisfaction due to value incongruence (Newman & Nollen, 1996[1]; Robert, Probst, Martocchio, Drasgow, & Lawler, 2000[2]). Schwartz (1999, 2006)[3] identifies Asia as universally high on the cultural value of hierarchy, and as Asian managers outnumber those in Western MNEs, Asian-dominated multicultural teams are increasingly common. The present study examines how hierarchical cultural values affect beliefs about optimal teamwork and which type of teamwork is associated with higher performance in teams with higher proportions of Asian team members. Study 1, including 96 U.S. and international undergraduate students, found that those identified their primary culture as a nation Schwarz deemed hierarchical were both more likely to score high on personal values for hierarchy and to believe optimal teamwork involves hierarchical, or subgroup dominant (Canney Davison, 1996)[4] teamwork. Similarly, in Study 2, 315 part time management students comprising 36 multicultural teams, teams were more creative using subgroup dominant teamwork if the majority of team members were older and Asian. Hierarchical linear modeling revealed that Asian team members were also more satisfied when embedded in teams that had more subgroup dominant, or hierarchical teamwork, despite the fact that membership in subgroup dominant teams was generally negatively associated with satisfaction. These studies suggest at least in short-term settings, value congruence for the cultural majority may trump existing creativity and multicultural teamwork findings concerning teamwork performance.

[1] Newman, K. L., Nollen, S. D. (1996). Cult

Publications.

Tue, 04 May 2010 10:00:58 GMT

Expectations Haven’t Advanced with UAE Women • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi • 562 • • Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi lauds the advances made by UAE women, and calls for steps to address the growing educational and demographic imbalances that have accompanied their progress. • /NEWSANDEVENTS/DSGNews.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=2212 • • •

Publications.

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 07:14:51 GMT

Social Entrepreneurship in the Middle East: Toward Sustainable Development for the Next Generation • DSG-MEYI • Report • None • Ehaab Abdou, Amina Fahmy, Diana Greenwald, Jane Nelson • •

Executive Summary (PDF, 72 KB) (English)

Despite the promise of an increasingly educated population of young people, the Middle East’s "youth bulge" generates pressure on education systems, labor markets, health care, natural resources and infrastructure. In this context, and with constrained public and private resources, traditional development frameworks in the Middle East are proving inadequate and are in need of transformation. Within the complex ecosystem of domestic governments, international donors, private businesses and individual philanthropists, the emerging model of social entrepreneurship offers potential as being one model to address the multi-sectoral challenges young people face in the Middle East.

Several trends in the region point to the important role that social entrepreneurship can play in capitalizing on the youth bulge, including an increased sense of social commitment expressed by a growing youth population, the incremental yet increasing ease of doing business in many of the countries, and the growing strategic orientation that is being adopted by the region’s philanthropic donors. Together, these represent promising trends for social entrepreneurs seeking talent and capital to start their own enterprises. Yet only with a conducive institutional environment can social entrepreneurship grow into a transformative tool in the field of youth economic development. Globally, social entrepreneurship has flourished where key institutions and economic actors are actively engaged in creating a conducive environment that supports and cultivates new, indigenous ideas and in

Publications.

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 06:05:59 GMT

Innovation Culture for Youth Empowerment in the UAE: The Role of ICT • DSG • Policy Brief • Policy Brief 19 • Racha Mourtada • 781 •

A culture of innovation within society can lead to sustained economic growth, greater global competitiveness, enhanced employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, and a more inclusive society for youth. Information and communication technologies (ICT) and the Internet have been repeatedly identified as key drivers for promoting innovation among youth, and for cultivating a more innovative society as a whole. Several factors, however, continue to block the potential of ICTs to create a culture of innovation in the Arab world; namely, access to and utilization of ICT tools; Internet censorship; and the failure of educational institutions to teach innovation and entrepreneurship skills.

This paper explores these factors and their implications for the creation of a culture of innovation and youth empowerment across the Arab region, with a focus on the GCC region and the UAE specifically. Based on the findings of a series of workshops and meetings with senior UAE and GCC policy makers, several policy recommendations are proposed to address existing barriers. These include ensuring universal access to ICTs through upgrading infrastructure; supporting and promoting the digital Arabic content (DAC) industry; reforming educational methods by integrating ICT tools and innovation skills into the classroom; enhancing career options for youth by teaching entrepreneurial skills at an early stage; and, revising Internet censorship laws to better balance cultural sensitivities and the online flow of information, knowledge and technologies.

• Several factors continue to block the potential of ICTs to create a culture of innovation in the Arab world; namely, access to and utilization of ICT tools; Internet censorship; and the failure of e

Publications.

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 07:55:22 GMT

Government 2.0? Technology, Trust and Collaboration in the UAE Public Sector • Non-DSG • Conference Paper • None • Fadi Salem • 264 • • • • • •

Publications.

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 10:55:30 GMT

Energy Conservation Options for GCC Governments • DSG • Policy Brief • Policy Brief 18 • Jim Krane • 2004 •

Paradoxically, a shortage of electricity has emerged in a region endowed with one-quarter of the world’s natural gas. This shortage has been caused by overheated demand stemming from deep underpricing of both gas and electricity. Gas is sold at rates far below those of the global market, allowing for electricity tariffs that can be a tenth of those in the United States. Pricing distortions have allowed buildings – and entire cities – to be built without regard for energy efficiency. Unrestrained consumption has, in turn, handed the Gulf states the embarrassing position of leading the world in per capita emissions of greenhouse gases. It has also created the impetus for action.

This policy brief outlines three policy options that Gulf Arab governments can consider to address the shortage. First, raise prices. Second, retrofit buildings for energy efficiency. Third, ban inefficient air conditioners and other appliances. The brief discusses the political obstacles involved in raising prices and eliminating a key subsidy used by governments to maintain domestic support. It concludes by recommending a policy of gradual price hikes and government-backed retrofitting of buildings.

• This policy brief outlines three policy options that Gulf Arab governments can consider to address the shortage. First, raise prices. Second, retrofit buildings for energy efficiency. Third, ban inefficient air conditioners and other appliances. The brief discusses the political obstacles involved in raising prices and eliminating a key subsidy used by governments to maintain domestic support. It concludes by recommending a policy of gradual price hikes and government-backed retrofitting of buildings. • • 633 KB • 816 KB •

Publications.

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 06:34:24 GMT

Learning Arabic: Change is on the Way • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Natasha Ridge • 406 • • In this editorial published in The National, Natasha Ridge surveys the landscape of Arabic language instruction and calls for more active, dynamic engagement in the learning process. • /NEWSANDEVENTS/DSGNews.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=2140 • • •

Publications.

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 05:51:24 GMT

Lack of Corporate Governance Holds Gulf States Back • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi • 562 • • In an editorial in The National, Sultan Sooud Al-Qassmi calls for collective responsibility and accountability in the corporate world. • /NEWSANDEVENTS/DSGNews.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=2126 • • •

Publications.

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 10:04:49 GMT

Why We Need the Gulf’s Vital Statistics • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Tarek Coury • 267 • • In an editorial in The National, Tarek Coury calls for the collection and dissemination of accurate economic data in order to inform better policy and decision making. • /NEWSANDEVENTS/DSGNews.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=2088 • • •

Publications.

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 06:49:29 GMT

Global Financial Architecture, Global Imbalances and the Future of the Dollar • DSG • Policy Brief • Policy Brief 17 • Karim Pakravan • •

The current global financial and economic crisis has come after two decades of unprecedented integration of global financial markets and financial innovation, a process that accelerated significantly in the new millennium. At the same time, the past decade has seen a widening of global financial imbalances to new and unsustainable levels. The convergence of these two trends is no coincidence, and financial globalization and global imbalances are two facets of the same phenomenon, which has resulted in the worst global economic and financial crisis since the Great Depression. By the same token, a long-term resolution of the global imbalances issue will require a strengthening of the infrastructure of the global financial system through a rethinking of national financial regulatory regimes and improved global cooperation on financial governance. In the medium term, the governments of the United States, Europe and the major emerging markets must focus on bringing the recession to an end and put the global economy back on a sustainable growth path. In the longer term, unless we bring financial globalization and global imbalances under control, we will be paving the way for the next financial and currency crisis, with incalculable consequences.

• This policy brief outlines the role of financial integration, globalization and widening global imbalances in leading to the current financial crisis. It calls for a move away from the US dollar as the central world reserve currency, and for a "new global financial architecture to gradually reduce global imbalances and move towards a more sustainable international financial system." • • 634 KB • 785 KB •

Publications.

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:35:47 GMT

When Hierarchy Helps: Cultural Fit, Teamwork Process, and Creativity • DSG • Working Paper • WP 09-07 • Susan Crotty • 705 •

This paper integrates literatures on value congruence and team performance with cultural values research to offer a new approach to teamwork process and creativity in teams. Western culture research predicts that creativity is optimized by discussion and debate and full participation and presents these findings as culturally universal. However, hierarchical cultural values are not congruent with such a teamwork process, and imposing participatory management styles in non-egalitarian cultures hurts employee performance and satisfaction (Newman & Nollen, 1996; Robert, Probst, Martocchio, Drasgow, & Lawler, 2000). In a simulation study with 35 MBA student manager teams, controlling for age, multicultural teams with high levels of Asian-culture team members (a region with universally high nation-level scores in hierarchy), performed better on creative tasks using a subgroup dominant teamwork process that reflects hierarchical cultural values. These findings question traditional assumptions about creativity optimization and offer practical guidance for managers with increasingly internationalized workforces.

This working paper has been substantially revised, and is now available as DSG Working Paper 10-05.

• This paper integrates literatures on value congruence and team performance with cultural values research to offer a new approach to teamwork process and creativity in teams. • • • •

Publications.

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:32:26 GMT

The Cross-Border Financial Impact of Violence • DSG • Working Paper • WP 10-04 • Mohammad M. Al-Ississ • •

This paper argues that violent events have two economic effects: a direct loss from the destruction of physical and human capital, and a reallocation of financial and economic resources. It documents the positive cross-border impact that follows violent events as a result of this reallocation. Thus, it reconciles the two existing perspectives in the literature on whether violence has a small or large economic effect.

Our results show that, in globally integrated markets, the substitution of financial and economic activities away from afflicted countries magnifies their losses. This study evaluates certain factors affecting the impact of violence in non-event countries.

Geographic distance from the event country is not monotonic in its effect on the valuation of equities of other countries. Also, the safer a non-event country is perceived to be relative to the event country, the greater the positive impact on its financial market. Finally, event countries with deeper financial markets are less susceptible to capital reallocation following an event.

• This paper argues that violent events have two economic effects: a direct loss from the destruction of physical and human capital, and a reallocation of financial and economic resources. It documents the positive cross-border impact that follows violent events as a result of this reallocation. Thus, it reconciles the two existing perspectives in the literature on whether violence has a small or large economic effect. • • 5.2 MB • •

Publications.

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 06:57:34 GMT

Stereotypes can Stymie the UAE’s Development • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Fatma Abdulla • 405 •

"How the cohort of over 110 million young Arabs deals with its predicament will be the main driver of the overall condition of the Arab world in the coming half century."

• "How the cohort of over 110 million young Arabs deals with its predicament will be the main driver of the overall condition of the Arab world in the coming half century." • /NEWSANDEVENTS/DSGNews.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=1985 • • •

Publications.

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 06:44:31 GMT

Young Arab World Arising • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Rami Khouri • 284 •

"How the cohort of over 110 million young Arabs deals with its predicament will be the main driver of the overall condition of the Arab world in the coming half century."

Publications.

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:25:59 GMT

The Blueprint: A History of Dubai’s Spatial Development through Oil Discovery • DSG • Working Paper • WP 10-03 • Stephen J. Ramos • •

To understand Dubai’s modern history since its founding in 1833, one must go further back in time to explore the regional history that frames its foundation. European powers, beginning with the Venetians, and, then subsequently, the Portuguese, the Dutch, and finally the British, were interested in the Gulf region as a means to secure trade routes to and from the Indian Subcontinent and points eastward. This meant that from the fifteenth century through the late nineteenth century, if trade routes could move uninterrupted through the Gulf region, European powers were not involved in the societal affairs of settlements as a traditionally colonial ruling class, nor did European merchants bother to extensively explore trade within the region, believing that it required more effort than either the climate or the local economies were worth. The region’s local tribes were divided among the maritime coastal groups and those that were nomadic and land-bound, and conflict among these groups occurred in parallel with the larger European conflicts also playing out in the region. The intersection of the two came with the increase in piracy, which, in very basic terms, represented a kind of cultural disagreement on trade customs. The Europeans felt that they were unjustly looted and local groups simply sought to protect themselves from foreign incursion while taking what they believed was their share.

British incursions into regional affairs increased as the pearl trade sector grew and, once oil was discovered in Persia and Saudi Arabia at the beginning of the twentieth century, British firms entered the region more actively.

Publications.

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 07:05:48 GMT

The United States and the Muslim World: How Engagement Will Improve Relations • DSG • Policy Brief • Policy Brief 15 • Emile Nakhleh • •

Throughout most of the present decade, many Muslims have become increasingly troubled by the state of relations between the United States and the Islamic world, and even more concerned about the future of these relations. Polls by numerous organizations bear out the fact that America’s standing in Arab and Muslim countries in the past half decade has reached an all-time low. Yet the election of Barack Obama seems to herald a warming of Muslim-American relations.

This brief analyzes the changed American approach toward engagement with the Muslim world, based on the assumption—documented by numerous polls—that disagreements between the Muslim world and the United States have been driven by policies, not values. It calls for a robust policy of US engagement with a variety of actors in the Muslim world, including Islamist parties and grassroots organizations, and outlines the changing dynamic between mainstream Islamist/nationalist groups and the "radical paradigm" as exemplified by al-Qa’ida. The brief concludes by examining the factors that have driven the rise of radicalism, and urges US policy makers to find "common ground" with mainstream Islamic parties and engage with their legitimate representatives.

• This brief analyzes the changed American approach toward engagement with the Muslim world, calls for a robust policy of US engagement with a variety of actors in the Muslim world—including Islamist parties and grassroots organizations—and outlines the changing dynamic between mainstream Islamist/nationalist groups and the "radical paradigm" as exemplified by al-Qa’ida. • http://www.dsg.ae/PUBLICATIONS/PublicationDetail/tabid/308/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_826_param_detail=1678 • 620 KB • 814 KB •

Publications.

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:53:21 GMT

Fusing Creativity: Cultural Metacognition and Teamwork in Multicultural Teams • DSG • Working Paper • WP 09-05 • Susan Crotty, Jeanne M. Brett • 705 •

This study elaborates and tests a model linking a new concept of teamwork, fusion, (Janssens and Brett 2006) to creativity in multicultural teams. Our model introduces team members’ cultural metacognition, a dimension of cultural intelligence (Earley and Ang 2003), as a precursor to fusion teamwork. Data from 246 members of 37 multicultural teams, analyzed in a cross-level HLM model, revealed good support for the model: Team members who were highly culturally metacognitive were more likely to describe their teamwork as fusion, and teams using fusion teamwork were described as more creative. Controlling all analytical models for generalized affect toward the team reduced threats to validity of common method bias, as did the cross-level effects of the team-level cultural metacognition. This study illustrates the implications of taking cultural diversity as a given in multicultural teams and focusing on how teamwork process can facilitate creativity.

• This study illustrates the implications of taking cultural diversity as a given in multicultural teams and focusing on how teamwork process can facilitate creativity. The findings have key implications for organizations, as teams serve as the organizational workhorses of today’s global companies, creativity translates into company profits, and many companies utilize multicultural teams. • • 210 KB • •

Publications.

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:35:35 GMT

Higher Education and Human Capital are Interwoven • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Fatma Abdulla • 405 • • In this op-ed, Fatma Abdulla calls for reforms in the UAE federal higher education system to address issues of duplication, program relevance and student dropout rates. • /NEWSANDEVENTS/DSGNews.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=1956 • • •

Publications.

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:07:26 GMT

Challenges to Curriculum Development in the UAE • DSG • Policy Brief • Policy Brief 16 • Samar Farah, Natasha Ridge • 310,406 •

As a result of increasing concerns about the employability and skills of the country’s youth, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently undertaken substantial efforts to reimagine and reform the national school curriculum. There are two new approaches currently being implemented on a trial basis in the country—a new standards-based curriculum in Abu Dhabi schools and a new English-medium curriculum in selected government schools, the Madares Al Ghad (Schools of Tomorrow), across the UAE. Local authorities hope that these new approaches will mark a landmark shift away from the tyranny of rote memorization toward a skills-based education that prepares students to live and work in the 21st century.

This brief examines the meaning of the term "curriculum," the history of curriculum development in the UAE, the role of various agencies and ministries in current initiatives, and the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead on the road of reform. It concludes with recommendations for policy makers on how to implement sustainable curriculum reform that will engage all stakeholders in the process.

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This brief examines the meaning of the term “curriculum,” the history of curriculum development in the UAE, the role of various agencies and ministries in current initiatives, and the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead on the road of reform. It concludes with recommendations for policy makers on how to implement sustainable curriculum reform that will engage all stakeholders in the process.

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Publications.

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:23:40 GMT

The Road to Good Governance is a Two-Way Street • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Rachel Mourtada • •

• Racha Mourtada outlines the findings of a recent e-government conference and suggests ways that ICT can further strengthen good governance efforts in the region. • /NEWSANDEVENTS/DSGNews.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=1933 • • •

Publications.

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 06:38:29 GMT

Health Financing and Health Outcomes in the Eastern Mediterranean Region • DSG • Working Paper • WP 10-02 • Marwa Farag • •

This paper presents an overview of health spending and health outcomes in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region over the time period 1995-2006, using cross-country and over-time comparisons. Overall, the region experienced improvements in health outcomes measured in terms of reductions in infant, under-5 child mortality and maternal mortality. However, there are notable exceptions to this trend of declining mortality in countries such as Afghanistan. In addition to providing an overview of changes in health outcomes and health spending over the 12-year period, the paper examines the following two issues:

The responsiveness of health care spending to changes in a country’s income; and,
The impact of spending on health care services on health outcomes.

The methodological approach adopted in this paper is multivariate regression analysis. I employ random effects models with year dummies, which are appropriate for panel data analysis. I also use double-log formulas for econometric necessity and ease of interpreting the results. The findings indicate that a 1 percent increase in GDP per capita is associated with 0.89 percent increase in health spending in the region and that income growth does not explain all the variation in health spending, indicating that other factors, such as the organization of the health care system, influence health care spending levels. This is an important finding because it suggests that on the one hand, cost-containment, and on the other, mobilizing more funds for the health care sector, are possible with appropriate interventions. The findings on the importance of spending on health care for achieving better health outcomes demonstrate that investing in health care matters; a 1 percent increase in health spending is associated with 0.11 pe

Publications.

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:36:08 GMT

Generation in Waiting: The Unfulfilled Promise of Young People in the Middle East • DSG-MEYI • Book • Book • Navtej Dhillon, Tarik Yousef • 274 •

Young people in the Middle East (15-29 years old) constitute about one-third of the region's population. Growth rates for this age group trail only sub-Saharan Africa. This presents the region with an historic opportunity to build a lasting foundation for prosperity by harnessing the full potential of its young population. Yet young people in the Middle East face severe economic and social exclusion due to substandard education, high unemployment, and poverty. Thus the inclusion of youth is the most critical development challenge facing the Middle East today.

Published by Brookings Press, Generation in Waiting portrays the plight of young people, urging greater investment designed to improve the lives of this critical group. It brings together perspectives from the Maghreb to the Levant. Each chapter addresses the complex challenges facing young people in many areas of their lives: access to decent education, opportunities for quality employment, availability of housing and credit, and transitioning to marriage and family formation. This volume presents policy implications and sets an agenda for economic development, creating a more hopeful future for this and future generations in the Middle East.

Selected contributors include Ragui Assaad (University of Minnesota), Brahim Boudarbat (University of Montreal), Jad Chaaban (American University in Beirut), Nader Kabbani (Syria Trust for Development), Taher Kanaan (Jordan Center for Public Policy Research and Dialogue), Djavad Salehi-Isfahani (Wolfensohn Center for Development and Virginia Tech), and Edward Sayre (University of Southern Mississippi).

Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi • 562 •

• Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi critiques a recent decision to boost pay for nationals in the public sector in light of efforts to boost Emirati employment in the private sector. • http://dsg.ae/DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=1862 • • •

Publications.

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 10:58:41 GMT

The Effects of Conflict on the Structure of the Economy • DSG • Working Paper • WP 09-10 • Nicolas Depetris Chauvin, Dominic Rohner • 268 •

This paper studies the impact of civil conflict on the structure of the economy. Conflict reduces the share of the manufacturing sector in the GDP, increases the exploitation of some simple natural resources (i.e. forestry) and reduces the production of crops. Using industrial level data for developing countries we study the channels through which conflict affects the manufacturing sector. As expected, we find that industries that are more institutional/transaction intensive are the ones that suffer most in conflictive societies. Labour-intensive sectors are also negatively affected by conflict. It is also found that exporting industries and sectors requiring external financing suffer more during conflict. Our results are robust to sensitivity analysis and have implications for post conflict policies.

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Publications.

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 10:31:43 GMT

Securing the Peace: The Battle over Ethnicity and Energy in Modern Iraq • DSG • Working Paper • WP 09-09 • Justin Dargin • •

This paper examines the legal and political impediments to the Kurdish Regional Government’s (KRG) exploration and production contracts, which the central government in Baghdad has refused to recognize. The newly established Iraqi national constitution significantly opened as many petroleum-control questions as it resolved. Negotiated in 2005, the constitution not only separated branches of government, but established Federalism as its lodestar. When faced with unresolved issues over regional and national control over petroleum resources, however, International Oil Companies (IOCs) function in an ambiguous legal environment that fails to clearly distinguish between federal and regional powers. This paper’s central proposition is that Article 112(1) of the Constitution should be clarified to grant the federal government oversight of all oil and gas fields, whether present or future, whether producing or nonproducing, under a Federal Oil and Gas Council (FOGC) – as stated in Art. 5(c) of the Draft Hydrocarbon Law.

•

This article examines the legal and political impediments to the Kurdish Regional Government’s (KRG) exploration and production contracts, which the central government in Baghdad has refused to recognize.

• • 607 KB • •

Publications.

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:49:26 GMT

Human Capital is Key to Company Results • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Susan Crotty • 705 •

• In an editorial in Thursday’s The National, Susan Crotty explains why companies who focus exclusively on financials at the expense of their human capital are playing with fire. • http://www.dsg.ae/NEWSANDEVENTS/DSGNews.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=1756 • • •

Publications.

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 05:32:49 GMT

Dubai’s History has Always Been One of Resilience • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi • 562 •

• In an editorial in The National, Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi emphasizes the value of the "Dubai model" to the region, noting the centrality of high quality public administration. • /NEWSANDEVENTS/DSGNews.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=1744 • • •

Publications.

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 05:26:01 GMT

This is not the End of the Road for Dubai • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi • 562 •

• Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi writes in The Financial Times that Dubai has a chance to emerge from the crisis "leaner, meaner and better." • /NEWSANDEVENTS/DSGNews.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=1743 • • •

Publications.

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:49:33 GMT

Belief Heterogeneity and Survival in Incomplete Markets • DSG • Working Paper • WP 09-08 • Tarek Coury, Emanuela Sciubba • 267 •

In complete markets economies, or in economies with Pareto optimal outcomes, the market selection hypothesis holds, as long as traders have identical discount factors. Traders who survive must have beliefs that merge with the truth. We show that in incomplete markets, regardless of traders’ discount factors, the market selects for a range of beliefs, at least some of which do not merge with the truth. We also show that impatient traders with incorrect beliefs can survive and that these incorrect beliefs impact prices. These beliefs may be chosen so that they are far from the truth.

• This paper shows that in incomplete markets, regardless of traders’ discount factors, the market selects for a range of beliefs, at least some of which do not merge with the truth. • /PUBLICATIONS/PublicationDetail.aspx?udt_826_param_detail=1745 • 569 KB • •

Publications.

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:27:52 GMT

Oil, Labor Markets, and Economic Diversification in the GCC: An Empirical Assessment • DSG • Working Paper • WP 09-06 • Tarek Coury, Chetan Dave • 267 •

In a bid to reduce their dependency on oil and natural gas revenues, GCC governments have recently invested considerable resources to diversify their economies. This paper provides an empirical assessment of economic diversification in the GCC for the period 1980–2005. In particular we assess whether oil and natural gas revenues, government policies and foreign flows of labor have contributed to greater economic diversification, proxied by real growth in non-hydrocarbon GDP per worker. To our knowledge, this is the first paper that analyzes economic diversification in the Gulf using panel data techniques that explicitly treat the GCC as an economic block.

We find that lagged hydrocarbon revenue is the only variable consistently associated with subsequent economic diversification; this is in contrast to government expenditures whose impact on diversification is negative and significant. We also find that population growth has little impact on either growth of overall GDP per worker or non-hydrocarbon GDP per worker; to explain this, we present an economic growth model that takes into account features of the labor market structure in the Gulf. Finally, we present some empirical evidence consistent with claims of greater macroeconomic and financial integration within the GCC.

• This paper provides an empirical assessment of economic diversification in the GCC for the period 1980–2005. In particular, the authors assess whether oil and natural gas revenues, government policies and foreign flows of labor have contributed to greater economic diversification, proxied by real growth in non-hydrocarbon GDP per worker. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that analyzes economic diversification in the

Publications.

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:07:25 GMT

Navigating the Economic Downturn: Strategic Positioning of Public Sector ICT Initiatives • DSG • Policy Brief • Policy Brief 14 • Okan Geray • 470 •

Turbulent and economically challenging times are forcing both public and private sector organizations to reconsider their business models and strategies. The current global economic downturn is leading to greater fiscal pressures on public sector organizations, thereby increasing the importance of efficiency and productivity for government information and communication technology (ICT)-based initiatives. As a result, strategic trajectories of public sector organizations will likely be reshaped to reflect the enhanced prominence of targeted efficiencies. Based on analysis of ICT initiative strategic positioning and the framework adopted by the Dubai eGovernment eServices Division until the end of 2008, this brief proposes a flexible strategic positioning tool in the form of a grid that facilitates creating trade-offs between effectiveness (customer focus) vis-à-vis efficiency (productivity) as the two main strategic dimensions. Components of these two dimensions relevant to ICT-based public services are identified for public sector organizations to utilize as a conceptual framework for formulating their strategic goals and objectives in service delivery.

• Based on analysis of ICT initiative strategic positioning and the framework adopted by the Dubai eGovernment eServices Division until the end of 2008, this brief proposes a flexible strategic positioning tool in the form of a grid that facilitates creating trade-offs between effectiveness (customer focus) vis-à-vis efficiency (productivity) as the two main strategic dimensions. • • 636 KB • 517 KB •

Publications.

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 06:45:02 GMT

It’s High Time We Saw a Little More of the FNC • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi • 562 •

By Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi

Since the passing of Sheikh Zayed in 2004 there have been many attempts to unify the young people of this country under an icon that represents all Emiratis. One thing is for certain: Sheikh Zayed’s legacy requires a collective effort to fill the vacuum created by his departure.

I have written on various occasions about the looming challenges that affect national identity in the UAE. There is, however, one entity in the country that could catapult Emirati nationalism to the forefront of public debate, if only it were more effective.

At first I hesitated to write this article since I admit that I have never been to a session of the Federal National Council. But in fact, that is precisely the reason why I decided to write it. The FNC should not be an organisation that you can believe exists only if you visit and see it for yourself, although sadly these are the sentiments that many UAE nationals have.

What has the FNC done for us lately, and does it have any real powers? At the outset, let me say that it would unfair to condemn the FNC as a failure. Its very creation in 1972, though an incomplete effort, was a major step in unifying the country. But rather than simply laying blame, we should start with constructive criticism that will hopefully make the FNC more visible – and not just to those who visit it once or twice a week, but to the average Emirati citizen and UAE resident.

First, the 40-member FNC rarely has any official presence at any of the various conferences that take place, either in the UAE or abroad, that discuss UAE culture, economics or academic affairs. Additionally, most of the FNC members have full-time jobs,

Publications.

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:44:06 GMT

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Publications.

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:57:24 GMT

Iran Sanctions: Who Really Wins? • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Djavad Salehi-Isfahani • •

By Djavad Salehi-Isfahani

US and Iranian representatives meet this week at a time when trust between the two countries is at a low ebb following the revelation last week of a previously undisclosed Iranian nuclear facility under construction and the test firing of Iran’s long-range missiles on September 28. Meanwhile, the Obama administration’s policy of engagement with Iran has emerged as little more than the old policy of "carrots and sticks."

The focus of the debate in the US has shifted from Iran’s internal political crisis to its economy. The group of 5+1 (the five UN Security Council members plus Germany) is weighing the costs and benefits of additional sanctions on Iran as a way of pressuring the Ahmadinejad government to change its position on the nuclear issue.

The discussion on sanctions takes place under considerable uncertainty about their effectiveness and the state of Iran’s economy. The emerging consensus in Washington that new, "crippling" sanctions could persuade Iran to change its nuclear policy seems in part based on the lack of a better alternative. But it is also based on two assumptions that I find questionable: first, that the existing sanctions are largely responsible for the weak state of Iran’s economy and second, that the weak economy has helped fuel the popular discont

Publications.

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:24:58 GMT

Sometimes the Sound and the Fury Signify Nothing • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi • 562 •

By Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi

Over the past few weeks two unfounded rumors about the UAE have snowballed on the pages of some newspapers in the Arab world and have even been picked up by newswires. Some media organizations seem so inclined to print negative news about this country that once they have exhausted the typical stories about the effects of the global financial crisis on the UAE, they no longer have an issue with presenting negative rumors as facts.

For instance, one report published last month alleged that 45 Lebanese Shia were denied re-entry into the UAE as part of a conspiracy against our Lebanese Shia brothers and sisters, an estimated 100,000 of whom live and work in the Emirates. Note that last year in one emirate alone, a new immigration program denied 54,000 people of various nationalities entry into the country. Conspiracy theorists can draw a variety of conclusions from this data to launch accusations that the country has barred one ethnicity or another from entering.

The UAE, like any other country, has the right to deny any individual entry should it deem this necessary for its national security. This country happens to have a justice system prosecuting former ministers and members of ruling families. The capable judicial system of the country, not a certain element in the media, can decide if any cases merit review.

Additionally, the UAE’s relations with Lebanese Shia are a testament to Arab solidarity. After the Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon in 2000, the UAE initiated a major de-mining program that cleared 123 villages from hundreds of thousands of landmines and cluster bombs. Operation Emirates Solidarity for De-mining South Leb

Publications.

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 07:35:02 GMT

The Hidden Gender Gap in Education in the UAE • DSG • Policy Brief • Policy Brief 12 • Natasha Ridge • 406 •

An increasing number of global comparison studies rank countries on everything from carbon footprint to educational performance to gender equality. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a focus on improving competitiveness has coupled with growing attention to gender issues to ensure that two reports published annually by the World Economic Forum (WEF) have received significant attention. While useful in many respects, global comparisons such as the WEF’s Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) and the Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI) fail to capture a growing gender gap in education that is adversely affecting males in the UAE.

This brief will examine current trends in gender and education in the UAE, as well as possible explanations for the male gender gap. It will outline why a gender gap which adversely affects males should be of concern to policy makers in the UAE and the region at large, highlighting some of the problems surrounding the use of global comparison reports. The brief concludes with recommendations on how to address the situation.

• This brief examines current trends in gender and education in the UAE, outlining why a gender gap which adversely affects males should be of concern to policy makers in the UAE and the region at large. • • 752 KB • 450 KB •

Publications.

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 07:05:18 GMT

Closing the UAE’s Political Gender Gap: Measures for Effective Policy Change • DSG • Policy Brief • Policy Brief 13 • Huda Sajwani • 261 •

Studies have shown that the gender and identity of political leaders have a noticeable effect on their policy decisions, with policies prescribed by them often geared toward the needs of their own gender. To create balanced and effective policies, therefore, it is vital to ensure gender balance within the political decision making process. Greater inclusion of women in this process is not only a United Nations Millennium Development Goal, but also an essential step in representing 50 percent of the population, resulting in gender-balanced policy formulation and implementation, as well as more equitable allocation of resources.

This policy brief intends to clarify the extent of women’s political participation in the United Arab Emirates by analyzing its ranking in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI), a standard benchmarking tool which ranks countries on gender equality by measuring gaps in their levels of gender equity. This brief focuses on the Index’s “political empowerment” sub-index in order to provide recommendations which may facilitate a more gender-balanced political environment, thereby contributing to the formulation of policies which better reflect the needs of both men and women in the UAE.

• This brief focuses on the "political empowerment" sub-index of the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index in order to provide recommendations on how to achieve a more gender-balanced political environment within the United Arab Emirates. • • 614 KB • •

Publications.

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 05:46:34 GMT

Our Cartoon Heroes – Now That They Are Really Our Own • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi • 562 •

Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi lauds the growth of indigenous animated cartoons in the Gulf, and describes their contribution to strengthening national identity.

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Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi lauds the growth of indigenous animated cartoons in the Gulf, and describes their contribution to strengthening national identity.

• /NEWSANDEVENTS/DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=762 • • •

Publications.

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:16:44 GMT

The UAE’s Economic Policy and the Current Global Meltdown: An Appraisal • DSG • Working Paper • WP 09-04 • Samir Pradhan • •

Within a span of less than four decades, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has undergone an impressive transformation from a small desert economy depending on pearl trading and fishing to an "oasis of opportunity" with booming economic sectors such as real estate and construction, tourism and hospitality, mass communications, shipping and logistics, retail and finance. The UAE’s economic miracle epitomizes the success of an innovative state-led capitalist growth model. The main objective of this paper is to critically assess the economic policies of the UAE from the perspective of the ongoing financial crisis. It is argued that even though the UAE’s dependence on oil has lessened with intense economic diversification and innovative policy regimes that provide new avenues of growth, the main sectors driving growth besides petroleum are highly cyclical in nature. As a result, the economy is bound to fluctuations depending on the business cycle of these sectors, which happened with the current financial crisis. In addition, looking at the comparative strengths of each emirate, this paper makes a strong case for an integrated approach for holistic national economic development.

• Within a span of less than four decades, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has undergone an impressive transformation from a small desert economy depending on pearl trading and fishing to an "oasis of opportunity" with booming economic sectors such as real estate and construction, tourism and hospitality, mass communications, shipping and logistics, retail and finance. The UAE’s economic miracle epitomizes the success of an innovative state-led capitalist growth model. • • 344 KB • •

Publications.

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:05:00 GMT

Mobility for All is not a Luxury, It’s a Basic Right • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi • 562 • Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi urges Arab states to reestablish ties with Iraq in an editorial in The Guardian’s Comment is Free site. • Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi urges Arab states to reestablish ties with Iraq in an editorial in The Guardian’s Comment is Free site. • /NEWSANDEVENTS/DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=756 • • •

Publications.

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:54:13 GMT

UAE Monetary Policy, Wages and Output Growth • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Tarek Coury • 267 • Tarek Coury analyzes recent data regarding inflation and money supply in the UAE, arguing in Sunday’s Khaleej Times that the dirham’s peg to the dollar helps to ensure macroeconomic stability. • Tarek Coury analyzes recent data regarding inflation and money supply in the UAE, arguing in Sunday’s Khaleej Times that the dirham’s peg to the dollar helps to ensure macroeconomic stability. • /NEWSANDEVENTS/DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=740 • • •

Publications.

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:51:56 GMT

Monetary Policy, De-leveraging and Deflation in the UAE • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Tarek Coury • 267 •

In his latest Op-Ed for Khaleej Times, Tarek Coury discusses de-leveraging in the real estate and stock market and the possible effects of deflation in the UAE.

• In his latest Op-Ed for Khaleej Times, Tarek Coury discusses de-leveraging in the real estate and stock market and the possible effects of deflation in the UAE. • /NEWSANDEVENTS/DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=710 • • •

Publications.

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 06:31:11 GMT

Overseas Development Assistance from the UAE: Structuring Donor Relations in the Context of the Arab League’s Fragile States • DSG • Working Paper • WP 09-03 • Habiba Hamid • •

This paper seeks to situate the UAE’s Foreign Policy and Overseas Development Assistance trajectory in the context of the increasingly dynamic fragile states discourse. In light of the recent establishment of the UAE Foreign Aid Coordination Office, this paper examines and demonstrates why the UAE should establish distinct policies pertaining to fragile states. The UAE has only recently taken the vital step of only recently developing a publicly funded office to work towards the provision of a framework and country strategies to monitor and regulate its Overseas Development Assistance (ODA). Yet why would the UAE need to implement differentiated strategies towards fragile states and what would be the intended rationale and outcomes? Are current conceptual underpinnings of ODA effective in the UAE? What are the strategic policy implications of regulatory donor support?

• This paper seeks to situate the UAE’s Foreign Policy and Overseas Development Assistance trajectory in the context of the increasingly dynamic fragile states discourse • • 331 KB • •

Publications.

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 06:10:57 GMT

Time for Arabs to get Serious About Iraq • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi • 562 • Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi urges Arab states to reestablish ties with Iraq in an editorial in The Guardian’s Comment is Free site. • Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi urges Arab states to reestablish ties with Iraq in an editorial in The Guardian’s Comment is Free site. • /DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=750 • • •

Publications.

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:44:13 GMT

What I Learned from the Last Big Meltdown • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi • 562 • In an editorial in Thursday’s issue of Gulf Business, Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi explains why "there’s no time to start a business like a recession." • In an editorial in Thursday’s issue of Gulf Business, Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi explains why "there’s no time to start a business like a recession." • /DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=746 • • •

Publications.

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:51:43 GMT

Better Access for the Disabled is an Economic Need Too • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Susan Crotty • 705 • In an editorial in Tuesday’s The National, Susan Crotty encourages a closer look at how implementing smarter policies for the disabled can benefit Dubai through greater productivity and innovation. • In an editorial in Tuesday’s The National, Susan Crotty encourages a closer look at how implementing smarter policies for the disabled can benefit Dubai through greater productivity and innovation. • /DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=738 • • •

Publications.

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:08:30 GMT

UAE Monetary Policy, China and the SDR • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Tarek Coury • 267 • In an editorial in the Khaleej Times, Tarek Khoury sheds light on the latest discussions centered on shifting to a global reserve currency whereby the US dollar would no longer be the dominant currency. • In an editorial in the Khaleej Times, Tarek Khoury sheds light on the latest discussions centered on shifting to a global reserve currency whereby the US dollar would no longer be the dominant currency. • /NEWSANDEVENTS/DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=734 • • •

Publications.

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:21:18 GMT

Closing the Health Gender Gap: Toward a Wellness-Based Model of Healthcare • DSG • Policy Brief • Policy Brief 11 • Fatma Abdulla • 405 •

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) performed well in the 2008 World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI) with regard to narrowing the gender gap in access to healthcare. Over its 38-year history, the UAE has witnessed tremendous improvement in access to care, resulting in a significant decline in morbidity and mortality associated with communicable diseases. Better sanitation, immunizations and other disease control measures have resulted in the near eradication of endemic diseases, thereby increasing life expectancy for both men and women. However, the healthy life expectancy of both genders continues to lag behind other high income countries due to the high incidence of chronic disorders such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Higher rates of obesity among women and delayed detection of chronic diseases has further disadvantaged women, thereby resulting in the loss of gender mortality differential. The increased incidence of these diseases, coupled with delayed detection and the lack of systematic disease management, poses a threat to the remarkable gains achieved to date. This brief explores the reasons behind the UAE’s score and ranking on the GGGI’s health and survival sub-index. It also provides recommendations on how the UAE can further decrease the gender gap in healthcare by moving away from the current sickness-based model to a model which is less costly, more proactive, and focused on prevention and early detection.

• This brief explores the reasons behind the UAE’s score and ranking on the health and survival sub-index of the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index. It also provides recommendations on how the UAE can further decrease the gender gap in healthcare. • • 598 KB • 4

Publications.

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:02:35 GMT

The Gulf Paradox: Skilled People, in the Wrong Jobs • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Khalid Al-Yahya • 258 • In his Op-Ed for The National, Khalid Al Yahya argues for organizational development and governance reforms to fill human resource gaps in the GCC. • In his Op-Ed for The National, Khalid Al Yahya argues for organizational development and governance reforms to fill human resource gaps in the GCC. • /DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=732 • • •

Publications.

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:11:13 GMT

Without this Human Wealth, a Nation Limits Itself • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Victor Pineda • 542 • • Victor Pineda published an Op-Ed in The National, in which he argues for the implementation of UAE’s Federal Law No 29, which aims to integrate people with disabilities into mainstream society. • /NEWSANDEVENTS/DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=718 • • •

Publications.

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 05:57:05 GMT

Gender and Economics in MENA: From Theory to Policy Making • DSG • Proceedings/Transcripts • None • • •

These conference proceedings include summaries of the presentations given during "Gender and Economics in MENA: From Theory to Policy Making." Held on November 16-17, 2008, the conference was organized and hosted by the Dubai School of Government in partnership with the Center of Arab Women for Training and Research (CAWTAR) and the World Bank. Over 130 scholars, policy makers, media and NGO representatives from throughout the region attended the conference. The aim of the conference was to bring together a network of academics, researchers and policy makers from the Arab region and the Gulf, to contribute to the debate about the challenges and opportunities of producing and disseminating research on gender and public policy in the Arab world.

• These conference proceedings include summaries of the presentations given during "Gender and Economics in MENA: From Theory to Policy Making." Held on November 16-17, 2008, the conference was organized and hosted by the Dubai School of Government in partnership with the Center of Arab Women for Training and Research (CAWTAR) and the World Bank. Over 130 scholars, policy makers, media and NGO representatives from throughout the region attended the conference. The aim of the conference was to bring together a network of academics, researchers and policy makers from the Arab region and the Gulf, to contribute to the debate about the challenges and opportunities of producing and disseminating research on gender and public policy in the Arab world. • • 1.2 MB • 536 KB •

Publications.

Fri, 29 May 2009 06:19:47 GMT

Whither the Monetary Union • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Tarek Coury • 267 • • Tarek Coury explores the consequences of the UAE’s recent decision to withdraw from Gulf monetary union in an editorial published in The Khaleej Times. • /NEWSANDEVENTS/DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=695 • • •

Publications.

Tue, 26 May 2009 08:51:41 GMT

Assessing the Contribution of ICT to Development Goals • DSG • Proceedings/Transcripts • None • • •

The Dubai School of Government (DSG) and the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) organised the 10th International Conference of the IFIP 9.4 working group on Social Implications of Computers in Developing Countries in Dubai, United Arab Emirates between 26-28 May 2009, under the theme of "Assessing the Contribution of Information and Communication Technologies to Development Goals."

In response to the Call for Papers, 80 papers were submitted, from which 20 full papers and 17 works-in-progress and practitioner reports were accepted. All 80 papers submitted underwent a double-blind peer review process. Based on the feedback from two reviewers and the programme organising committee, these papers were revised by the author(s); the accepted papers are printed here. The papers describe, critique and develop arguments, drawing conclusions from a multitude of development projects on the role of ICTs in achieving development goals and addressing challenges to sustainability in developing nations.

The proceedings include practitioner reports and case studies, as well as conceptual and theoretical papers. All focus clearly on the overall conference theme of “Assessing the Contribution of ICT to Development Goals” and align with the general focus of IFIP 9.4 working group. The papers cover a wide geographical area, and are based on research from institutions in Albania, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, Germany, India, Ireland, Jordan, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

• The Dubai School of Government (DSG) and the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) organised the 10th International Conference of the IFIP 9.4 working group on Social Implications of Compute

Publications.

Thu, 21 May 2009 12:18:24 GMT

Getting What You Pay for From a Private Education • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Natasha Ridge • 406 • • In an editorial in Monday’s issue of The National, Natasha Ridge explains why governments have an important role to play in private education. • /DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=685 • • •

Publications.

Sun, 17 May 2009 06:05:15 GMT

Missed by the Boom, Hurt by the Bust: Making Markets Work for Young People in the Middle East • DSG-MEYI • Report • None • Navtej Dhillon, Djavad Salehi-Isfahani, Paul Dyer, Tarik Yousef, Amina Fahmy, Mary Kraetsch • 279,274 •

This report, based on three years of research, provides a framework for addressing the economic challenges facing young people in the Middle East. The first part of this report is devoted to understanding the main causes behind the continued exclusion of young people. In section two, the authors analyze youth transitions, focusing on outcomes in the markets of education, employment, marriage and housing. In section three the paper looks back to assess why many youth challenges have continued to persist despite the economic boom. The authors argue that a vital lesson of the boom years is that macro-economic improvements alone will not erase the deep inequities that divide the older and younger generations. Institutions in education, employment, and housing and credit markets often work against the welfare of young people and are responsible for their exclusion. Section four examines the potential impact of the global economic crisis on the lives of young people.

The final part of this report is devoted to assisting policy makers, the private sector and civil society organizations to address two profound challenges: first, to safeguard young people from the risks of becoming more excluded and vulnerable; second and more importantly, to seize the opportunity of having the largest youth cohort in the region’s history to generate economic recovery and sustainable growth. In section five, the authors provide guiding principles and ten policy recommendations designed to meet both the challenges of the moment and those of the near future. In section six, the authors argue that these pr

Publications.

Thu, 14 May 2009 08:14:24 GMT

A Closer Look at Gender Parity in UAE Health Care • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Fatma Abdulla • 405 • • In an editorial in The National, Fatma Abdulla argues that a shift in health policy will reduce the prevalence of "lifestyle diseases" which disproportionately target women. • /DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=668 • • •

Publications.

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:20:54 GMT

Benchmarking Education: Dubai and the Trends in Mathematics and Science Study 2007 • DSG • Report • None • Mike Helal • •

Despite robust economic growth in recent years in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, education and the development of human capital have been found underdeveloped by recent international studies into business competitiveness. In spite of this apparent deficit, a data-based study incorporating quantifiable measures of the standard and quality of education had not existed to guide reform efforts. This changed in 2007 with Dubai’s entry into the international education debate through its participation in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). The cyclical study assesses knowledge and skills in mathematics and science for 10-year-olds and 14-yearolds, formative years in a student’s learning trajectory, for students in 63 countries and sub-national entities. In combination with the TIMSS background survey of students, teachers and administrators, results allow Dubai’s policy makers to benchmark the quality of its education system in comparison to best practices around the world, as well as to identify core areas for future reform efforts.

This report examines and interprets Dubai’s 2007 results in light of assessed contextual factors in an attempt to locate the determinants of Dubai’s relatively low achievement. The aim is to enable policy makers to understand which facets of the educational landscape in Dubai are in need of reform, and what elements of reform are called for in order to elevate learning to desired outcomes.

• This report examines and interprets Dubai’s 2007 results in light of assessed contextual factors in an attempt to locate the determinants of Dubai’s relatively low achievement. The aim is to enable policy makers to understand which facets of the educational landscape in Dubai are in need of reform, and what elements of reform are called for in order t

Publications.

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 05:58:19 GMT

Hyperbolic Discounting: A Recursive Formulation and An Application to Economic Growth • DSG • Working Paper • WP 09-02 • Tarek Coury, Chetan Dave • 267 •

An important strand of the economics literature has recently paid attention to the study of psychological biases that lead individuals to undersave, procrastinate or, in general, display a present-bias in their decision making. These biases, as represented by preferences exhibiting truly hyperbolic discounting, may have an important impact on economic growth but have not been incorporated in economic growth modelling. This paper by Coury and Dave formulates such preferences in a recursive formulation, which allows for the use of dynamic programming techniques commonly used in the economic growth literature.

• An important strand of the economics literature has recently paid attention to the study of psychological biases that lead individuals to undersave, procrastinate or, in general, display a present-bias in their decision making. • • 199 KB • •

Publications.

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:09:09 GMT

Why Irena Should Find her Home in Abu Dhabi • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi • 562 • • DSG Nonresident Fellow Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi lays out Abu Dhabi’s case to host the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in an editorial in The National. • /NEWSANDEVENTS/DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=569 • • •

Publications.

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 06:56:59 GMT

Women in Parliament and Politics in the UAE: A Study of the First Federal National Council Elections • DSG • Report • None • May Al-Dabbagh, Lana Nusseibeh, Huda Sajwani , Shaima Gargash • 262,261 •

The growth of women’s participation in parliaments worldwide is still notably low and, in response, the majority of governments have introduced policy measures to redress the gender imbalance. In the United Arab Emirates, a country that recently initiated an electoral parliamentary process, elections were held in 2006 and included women as both voters and candidates for the first time. This historical juncture provides a timely opportunity for analyzing the entry of women into parliamentary life in the UAE, and to contribute to the global debate on closing the political gender gap. Based on interviews with members of the Federal National Council, surveys of the opinions of male and female candidates who participated in the UAE elections, and archival material from the election campaigns, this study investigates key themes in the nature of women’s roles in the political process. The findings of this study demonstrate commonalities between the experiences of both male and female politicians, as well as critical gender-specific challenges. Key recommendations based on the findings include continued support of government for a more inclusive political process, quality training for candidates and parliamentarians, closing the gender gap in citizenship status, and strengthening the role of the Federal National Council.

• This report details the results of an independent study jointly supported by the Dubai School of Government and the Ministry for Federal National Council Affairs. Through surveys and interviews of male and female candidates who stood in the 2006 FNC elections, the study provides specific polic

Publications.

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:49:50 GMT

Gender Equality in the United Arab Emirates: A Driver for Increased Competitiveness? • DSG • Policy Brief • Policy Brief 5 • Christine Assaad • 280 •

This brief examines reasons behind the UAE’s ranking and score on the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index 2007, arguing that the country's international competitiveness can be improved through greater gender equality. The brief recommends changes in labor policies to stimulate the economic inclusion of women, and calls for improvements in data collection, analysis and dissemination.

• This brief examines reasons behind the UAE’s ranking and score on the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index 2007, arguing that the country's international competitiveness can be improved through greater gender equality. • • 489 KB • 791 KB •

Publications.

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:14:32 GMT

Women in Politics: Quotas, Voter Attitudes and Female Leadership • DSG • Policy Brief • Policy Brief 10 • Rohini Pande, Alexandra Cirone • •

Gender quotas are increasingly being used throughout the world as a policy tool to improve women’s participation in politics. While in many cases these policies have succeeded in increasing the number of women politicians, there is a lack of evidence on how exposure to women leaders impacts the beliefs of the average voter. In order to determine the causal effect of affirmative action policies on voter attitudes and electoral outcomes, a study in West Bengal uses a novel approach to look at the effect of mandated reservation in Indian village councils. The study takes advantage of the fact that villages were randomly assigned the reservation policy, and uses speeches and vignettes experiments as well as Implicit Association Tests (IATs) to analyze this issue. The results suggest that repeated exposure to women leaders reduces voter bias against them, and that repeated reservation significantly improves electoral outcomes in the medium term.

• This brief assesses the effect of affirmative action policies on voter attitudes and electoral outcomes, focusing on a study done in West Bengal, India • • 469 KB • 767 KB •

Publications.

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:49:56 GMT

A Dollar De-peg Do-over • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Tarek Coury • 267 • • In an Op-Ed in Sunday’s Khaleej Times, Tarek Coury explains why the UAE Central Bank’s decision to re-peg the dirham to the US dollar is fundamentally sound. • /NEWSANDEVENTS/DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=529 • • •

Publications.

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:30:09 GMT

Cross-Agency Collaboration in the UAE Government: The Role of Trust and the Impact of Technology • DSG • Report • None • Fadi Salem, Yasar Jarrar • 260,264 •

In April 2008, the Dubai School of Government, sponsored by Cisco Systems, Inc., conducted a survey to explore concepts pertaining to collaboration in the context of the United Arab Emirates government, and to probe perspectives of citizens working in the public sector. It specifically examined the impact of trust on collaboration in the UAE government, and explored enablers of and barriers to better collaboration.

The anticipated outcome of this research is two-fold: first, to shape a better understanding of the local culture of collaboration and the impact of trust among government employees and to shed light on the elements required to establish better collaboration in the UAE public sector. Second, the study aims to identify emerging enablers of collaboration in the public sector, and specifically the potential impact of information and communications technology (ICT).

Overall, this research aims to contribute to shifts in common thinking in the traditional public sector institutions in the UAE, to start a thought leadership discussion, and to offer perspectives on the linkage between the current state of collaboration in government and the potential roll of ICT in bridging existing gaps. Governments in the region sharing similar culture and seeking to maximize the positive impact of collaboration should be able to benefit from the insight gained through this research.

• In this report, the authors analyze the results of a survey conducted by the Dubai School of Government to explore concepts pertaining to collaboration in the context of the UAE government, and to probe perspectives of citizens working in the public sector.

Publications.

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:14:35 GMT

Transparency is Dubai’s Future • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Hafed Al-Ghwell • 282 •

In an op-ed in The National, Hafed Al-Ghwell calls for Dubai to use transparency and open information to enhance competitiveness, expose weaknesses in the system and address them directly.

• In an op-ed in The National, Hafed Al-Ghwell calls for Dubai to use transparency and open information to enhance competitiveness, expose weaknesses in the system and address them directly. • /DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=512 • • •

Publications.

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 09:48:22 GMT

A Model in Preparation for a "Post-Oil" World • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Justin Dargin • • • In February the UAE launched a nationwide energy sustainability campaign under the name, "Heroes of the UAE". Developed in conjunction with the Emirates Wildlife Society, the WorldWide Fund for Nature and the Environmental Agency-Abu Dhabi, the campaign’s goal is to seismically reduce the high carbon footprint and energy consumption by UAE nationals and a multitude of expatriates and foreign visitors. The "Heroes" campaign could not have been born at a better historical moment. • /DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=513 • • •

Publications.

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 07:51:33 GMT

Why Young Syrians Prefer Public Sector Jobs • DSG-MEYI • Policy Outlook • MEYI Policy Outlook 2 • Nader Kabbani • •

This policy outlook examines how public sector employment policies in Syria affect the transition from school to work for young people. Framed within the context of Syria’s transition from a command economy to a social market economy, the analysis highlights how the country’s traditional socioeconomic model still holds sway and drives employment preferences among youth. Despite the country’s effort to shift away from government interventions to private sector solutions, incentives in the public sector – higher wages, benefits, pension coverage, and job security – continue to reinforce preferences among youth for public sector employment. The policy outlook concludes with a set of recommendations to aid Syria’s transition and create new opportunities for young people.

• MEYI Policy Outlook 2, March 2009, Nader Kabbani This policy outlook examines how public sector employment policies in Syria affect the transition from school to work for young people. Framed within the context of Syria’s transition from a command economy to a social market economy, the analysis highlights how the country’s traditional socioeconomic model still holds sway and drives employment preferences among youth. Despite the country’s effort to shift away from government interventions to private sector solutions, incentives in the public sector – higher wages, benefits, pension coverage, and job security – continue to reinforce preferences among youth for public sector employment. The policy outlook concludes with a set of recommendations to aid Syria’s transition and create new opportunities for young people. • • 1.1 MB • 819 KB •

Publications.

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:09:01 GMT

The Search for Solutions: Education Reform in the Gulf • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Natasha Ridge • 406 • • In an op-ed in Thursday’s The National, Natasha Ridge asks why major investments in education have not produced desired results in GCC countries, and calls for more research to inform policy decisions. • /DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=467 • • •

Publications.

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:35:41 GMT

Forex Trading and the Value of the Dirham • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Tarek Coury • 267 • • Tarek Coury examines factors influencing the valuation of currencies, including the UAE dirham, in an editorial in Monday’s Khaleej Times. • /DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=462 • • •

Publications.

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:33:38 GMT

Doing Business in the United Arab Emirates • DSG • Policy Brief • Policy Brief 9 • Paul Dyer • 279 •

The World Bank recently released its 2009 Doing Business report, which assesses 181 countries with regard to the ease of doing business for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This year, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) saw its ranking in the overall ease of doing business improve by eight positions, from 54th in 2008 to a current 46th. Despite the improvement, the UAE’s position is lower than the positions of many of its neighbors in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Saudi Arabia ranks 16th, Bahrain ranks 18th and Qatar ranks 37th.

This brief reviews outcomes for the UAE in Doing Business. It compares results for the UAE with those from other GCC states, Singapore (which leads the rankings as the most business-friendly economy) and other leading countries. The brief explains outcomes for the UAE and highlights areas for reform that would improve the development of SMEs in the country.

• This brief reviews outcomes for the UAE in the World Bank's 2009 Doing Business report, and highlights areas for reform that would improve the development of SMEs in the country. • • 453 KB • 358 KB •

Publications.

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:22:30 GMT

Sustainability Must be a Choice that the UAE Makes Today • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Nabil Al-Yousef, Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak • 269 •

In Tuesday’s The National, DSG Executive President Nabil Alyousuf and Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director of the Emirates Wildlife Society calls for the UAE to develop “One Planet Leadership” for environmental sustainability.

• In Tuesday’s The National, DSG Executive President Nabil Alyousuf and Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director of the Emirates Wildlife Society calls for the UAE to develop “One Planet Leadership” for environmental sustainability. • /NEWSANDEVENTS/DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=450 • • •

Publications.

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:59:00 GMT

The Impact of Culture on Management and Development: A Comparative Review • DSG • Working Paper • WP 09-01 • Khalid Al-Yahya, Michael Lubatkin, Richard Vengroff • 258 •

Working Paper 09-01 highlights contemporary research on the important issue of the link between cultural values and perceptions and management practices. It emphasizes the need for matching new structural arrangements with national and local cultures or subcultures to avoid conflict with ethnic, religious or cultural interests; this requires the attention of central governments in assigning responsibilities and resources.

This working paper is a chapter in the forthcoming Handbook of Bureaucracy, ed. Ali Farazmand. New York: Marcel Dekker, 2009.

• This working paper highlights contemporary research on the important issue of the link between cultural values and perceptions and management practices. It emphasizes the need for matching new structural arrangements with national and local cultures or subcultures to avoid conflict with ethnic, religious or cultural interests; this requires the attention of central governments in assigning responsibilities and resources. • • 156 KB • •

Publications.

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 08:51:00 GMT

Strengthening the Legal and Judicial Independence of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) • DSG • Policy Brief • Policy Brief 8 • Alejandro Carballo Leyda • •

The recently created world class financial hub, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), is under an independent, common law-based, parallel legal and judicial system intended to be outside the general jurisdiction of the legal systems of the Emirate of Dubai (hereinafter “Dubai”) and the United Arab Emirates (hereinafter “UAE”). It shares some similarities with the China/Hong Kong principle of “one country, two systems,” where two different and independent legal and judicial systems apply within one country. However, as with most such efforts, there is some gap between theory and practice. Only if such a legal and judicial system is completely independent from government interference will foreign investors gain full confidence and trust in it. This policy brief tries to identify what can be done to further strengthen the legal and judicial independence of the DIFC in order to better attract foreign investment.

• This policy brief tries to identify what can be done to further strengthen the legal and judicial independence of the Dubai International Financial Centre in order to better attract foreign investment. • • 444 KB • 363 KB •

Publications.

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 08:21:59 GMT

UAE Economy: Time to Move Up the Value Chain • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Tarek Coury • 267 • • In Thursday’s Khaleej Times, DSG Assistant Professor Tarek Coury calls for the UAE to diversify its economy more into high value-added economic activities in the non-oil sector. • /NEWSANDEVENTS/DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=439 • • •

Publications.

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:52:49 GMT

Efficient Government Means Accountability: We’re Getting It • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Ashraf Meraj • 259 • • An editorial by Ashraf Meraj in The National newspaper commends the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority and posits further steps to improve transparency and accountability. • /DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=418 • • •

Publications.

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:52:03 GMT

How does Dubai Measure up in Standards of Education? • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Mike Helal • • • Visiting Researcher Mike Helal measures Dubai’s strengths and weaknesses in a global education benchmarking examination in an opinion piece published in Thursday’s Gulf News. • /DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=419 • • •

Publications.

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:55:59 GMT

Distinguished Speaker Series: Francis Fukuyama • DSG • Proceedings/Transcripts • None • • •

In "Challenges to Democracy in the Twenty-First Century," Francis Fukuyama examined the global trend toward democracy that emerged in the last two decades of the twentieth century, factors driving it, and the challenges posed by globalization, poverty and technology. Dr. Fukuyama outlined a relationship between democracy and high levels of economic development, and outlined the issues facing democratization in China, Russia, India and the Islamic world. Finally, he emphasized the centrality of good governance: "If people don’t have the right policies, and the right institutions to implement those policies, growth will not continue. That’s why an institution like the Dubai School of Government is extremely important."

• In "Challenges to Democracy in the Twenty-First Century," Francis Fukuyama examined the global trend toward democracy that emerged in the last two decades of the twentieth century, factors driving it, and the challenges posed by globalization, poverty and technology. • • 1.05 MB • •

Publications.

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:46:14 GMT

State of the Region 2008: Leveraging Opportunity, Managing Risk • DSG • Proceedings/Transcripts • None • • •

The State of the Region (SOR) Forum is an annual event bringing together key public and private sector representatives—including top policy makers, executives, and thought leaders from the United Arab Emirates and neighboring Gulf countries—with a select group of leading experts. The event provides a unique opportunity to examine and analyze key trends and critical developments affecting the Arab world.

The Forum acts as a strategic planning retreat, providing critical input needed to develop scenarios and assess the future of this fast growing and rapidly transforming part of the world. An invitation-only event with discussions led by regional and international experts, this exclusive and intimate half-day gathering provides strategic insights on the geopolitical, socioeconomic, and institutional trends likely to emerge over the next decade in the Middle East.

• The State of the Region (SOR) Forum is an annual event bringing together key public and private sector representatives—including top policy makers, executives, and thought leaders from the United Arab Emirates and neighboring Gulf countries—with a select group of leading experts. The event provides a unique opportunity to examine and analyze key trends and critical developments affecting the Arab world. • • 667 KB • •

Publications.

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 06:31:35 GMT

Proof that the Hajj makes pilgrims more religious – and more tolerant • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • • • • In an opinion piece in The National newspaper, DSG Research Fellow Asim Ijaz Khwaja, David Clingingsmith and Michael Kremer recount the findings of their study of Pakistani hajj pilgrims, showing that while the hajj leads to greater religious orthodoxy, it also bolsters the desire for peace and tolerance toward others, including non-Muslims. • /NEWSANDEVENTS/DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=388 • • •

Publications.

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 06:04:21 GMT

Did Housing Policy Reforms Curb the Delay in Marriage Among Young Men in Egypt? • DSG-MEYI • Policy Outlook • MEYI Policy Outlook 1 • Mohamed Ramadan, Ragui Assaad • •

This brief examines the role of housing policy reforms in curbing delays in marriage for young men by increasing access to housing and reducing the need for large capital outlays for initial housing upon marriage. The authors present evidence that the long-term trend of rising age of marriage among young men in Egypt has been reversed in recent years. The analysis shows that this observed decline is in part due to housing policy reforms introduced in 1996. The assessment concludes with a discussion of implications for policy makers in promoting access to affordable housing and reducing waithood for young men.

• This brief examines the role of housing policy reforms in curbing delays in marriage for young men by increasing access to housing and reducing the need for large capital outlays for initial housing upon marriage. The authors present evidence that the long-term trend of rising age of marriage among young men in Egypt has been reversed in recent years. The analysis shows that this observed decline is in part due to housing policy reforms introduced in 1996. The assessment concludes with a discussion of implications for policy makers in promoting access to affordable housing and reducing waithood for young men. • • 1 MB • 888 KB •

Publications.

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:48:49 GMT

Between Potential and Reality: Innovation in the Arab Public Sphere • DSG • Policy Brief • Policy Brief 6 • Nesrine Halima • •

The author examines the conditions and circumstances in which innovations in the public sector thrive, and provides an overview of the various obstacles which have traditionally hindered Arab governments from developing institutional cultures conducive to innovation.

• The author examines the conditions and circumstances in which innovations in the public sector thrive, and provides an overview of the various obstacles which have traditionally hindered Arab governments from developing institutional cultures conducive to innovation. • • 426 KB • 728 KB •

Publications.

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:44:39 GMT

The Impact of the Hajj • DSG • Policy Brief • Policy Brief 7 • David Clingingsmith, Asim Ijaz Khwaja, Michael Kremer • 277 •

This brief estimates the impact on pilgrims of performing the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. The authors find that participation in the Hajj increases observance of global Islamic practices such as prayer and fasting, while decreasing participation in localized practices and beliefs such as the use of amulets and dowry. It increases belief in equality and harmony among ethnic groups and Islamic sects, and leads to more favorable attitudes toward women, including greater acceptance of female education and employment. Increased unity within the Islamic world is not accompanied by antipathy toward non-Muslims. Instead, Hajjis show increased belief in peace, and in equality and harmony among adherents of different religions.

• This brief estimates the impact on pilgrims of performing the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.The authors find that participation in the Hajj increases observance of global Islamic practices such as prayer and fasting, while decreasing participation in localized practices and beliefs such as the use of amulets and dowry. • • 1.0 MB • 107 KB •

Publications.

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 05:29:55 GMT

The Economic Imperatives of Marriage: Emerging Practices and Identities Among Youth in the Middle East • DSG-MEYI • Working Paper • MEYI WP 6 • Diane Singerman • •

The Middle East today is a very youthful region, due to the consequences of the demographic transition. As mortality declined and life spans rose, youthful cohorts are now marrying later in life. Delayed marriage has become the norm, particularly for men who may not marry until their late twenties or thirties. The political and economic context of delayed marriage is causing debate and controversy in the Muslim world, since early and universal marriage had been the norm and sexuality had been linked to marriage.

The consequences and meaning of the youth bulge in the region, however, can only be fully comprehended if we examine the political economy of youth through the lens of the "marriage imperative." It is not only the demographic transition, the greater participation of women in the labor force and education, changing gender norms, or globalization which has delayed marriage.

The financial costs surrounding marriage (housing, dower, jewelry, celebrations, furniture and furnishings) themselves may be the source of delayed marriage as young people and their families wait years before they can accumulate the massive sums needed to marry. Through statistical, economic, political, and anthropological data, this paper first highlights the financial pressures that marriage places on young people and their families. The paper argues that we must conceptualize the political economy of youth through the lens of the "marriage imperative" because the financial investment in marriage takes years to accumulate and influences other key transitions of adolescence, including schooling, employment, education, and identity formation.

• The Middle East today is a very youthful region, due to the consequences of the demographic transition. As mortality declined an

Publications.

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:40:42 GMT

Youth Exclusion in Syria: Social Economic, and Institutional Dimensions • DSG-MEYI • Working Paper • MEYI WP 4 • Nader Kabbani and Noura Kamel • •

A combination of factors contributes to actual or potential economic exclusion of young people in Syria. This paper focuses on three of them: economic, social, and institutional. Instead of drawing attention to the multidimensionality of youth economic exclusion, our paper highlights the interaction among the contributing factors. We suggest that multiple risk factors associated with youth economic exclusion add to one another so that they have a stronger cumulative effect than they would individually.

Young people in Syria are six times more likely than adults to be unemployed. -- the highest in the region outside of the Gulf cooperation Council (GCC). In 2001, the Syrian government began initiating a series of reforms to help move the country away from a public sector-led development model towards a social market economy. The reforms presented a dramatic shift from earlier policies which resulted in labor supply pressures due to an over-promotion of public sector employment. While the demand for public-sector employees remained fairly stable, the number of young people competing for those same jobs increased.

The current unemployment is further exasperated by rooted social and institutional structures. Many young people still rely heavily on family connections to find work, and those without them suffer a particular disadvantage when it comes to finding a high quality job. Youth in search of employment in the private sector face rigid labor regulations that make private businesses reluctant to hire them. Those they do make it through work long hours for a very low minimum wage. In addition, young women in Syria are less than half as likely to participate in the labor force compared to young men (30 compared to 67 percent) and nearly twice as likely to be unemplo

Publications.

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:38:55 GMT

Youth Exclusion in Morocco: Context, Consequences, and Policies • DSG-MEYI • Working Paper • MEYI WP 5 • Brahim Boudarbat, Aziz Ajbilou • •

Currently, the age structure of the Moroccan population is characterized by the predominance of youth aged 15-24. The share of youth in the population grew from about 17 percent in 1971 to a little over 21 percent in 2004. This "youth bulge" is regarded as one of the main causes of unemployment because the number of jobseekers is increasing much faster than the number of jobs that the economy can create. While this argument may seem legitimate in light of the current economic context, a youth bulge should naturally be considered a "demographic gift." By building the human capital of young workers and providing them with opportunities to use their skills, Morocco can increase incomes per capita, bolster savings and improve social welfare.

But unfortunately, today’s youth face severe economic and social exclusion hampering their transitions to adulthood. Youth exclusion is determined by many factors including illiteracy and unemployment. But moreover, exclusion is not just a condition but rather a process which marginalizes certain individuals. This process varies with context (e.g.urban versus rural) and is constantly evolving. In this paper we will outline how youth cohort and their expectations and focus on the economic dimensions of youth exclusion. In understanding the consequences of economic exclusion, however, we also extend our analysis to look at various social and political dimensions.

• Currently, the age structure of the Moroccan population is characterized by the predominance of youth aged 15-24. The share of youth in the population grew from about 17 percent in 1971 to a little over 21 percent in 2004. This "youth bulge" is regarded as one of the main causes of unemployment because the number of jobseekers is increasing much faster than the number of jobs that t

Publications.

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:32:32 GMT

Youth Exclusion in Iran: The State of Education, Employment and Family Formation • DSG-MEYI • Working Paper • MEYI WP 3 • Djavad Salehi-Isfehani and Daniel Egel • •

Using conceptual frameworks relating to social exclusion literature and life transitions, the inclusion of youth and their successful transition to adulthood is analyzed in this paper by looking at three dimensions: acquiring skills for productive employment, finding a job and setting up a family.

With output and consumption growing at about 5 percent a year for over a decade, the Iranian economy today seems quite robust overall. Investment levels remain quite high and the road, electricity, water and natural gas infrastructures are well maintained. But the legal and institutional infrastructure remains underdeveloped. Much needed legal reform to deal with the requirements of a modern contractual economy has been overshadowed in recent years by political skirmishes over other aspects of legal improvements, including reform of the penal code and laws governing the freedom of the press. Property rights and the incentives for long-term private investment have been undermined by corruption and an unfavorable business environment.

Amidst this macro-economic setting, a demographic burst, caused by high fertility rates in the late 1970s and early 1980s, has created new choices and challenges for today’s youth in Iran. Traditional Iranian society offered a smoother and more predictable transition from youth to adulthood. But with the gradual disappearance of traditional society and rapid social and economic change, predictable transitions from youth to adulthood have given way to uncertainty and unpredictability. The unusually large cohort of youth today has led to overcrowding in schools, gender imbalance in the marriage market and increased pressure on Iran’s rigid formal labor market. Iran can take better advantage of this demographic dividend by turni

Publications.

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:30:35 GMT

Youth Exclusion in Egypt: In Search of "Second Chances" • DSG-MEYI • Working Paper • MEYI WP 2 • Ragui Assad and Ghada Barsoum • •

Egypt is at a stage in its demographic transition with a marked "youth bulge," a period in which the proportion of youth in the population is increasing significantly compared to other age groups. Ragui Assaad and Ghada Barsoum look closely at youth in Egypt with the lens of exclusion as a guiding conceptual framework. The crux of the exclusion framework is that while some experience a successful transition to jobs, financial stability and personal independence with the ability to form families of their own; others experience unemployment; end up with dead-end low-paying jobs, and defer forming families due to the high financial costs of this important life transition in Egypt.

With Egypt’s economic revival, which began in 2004, there has been a notable improvement in labor market conditions. However, the youth continue to be a most disadvantaged group in terms of higher rates of unemployment, lower earnings, and limited job security and stability, with the majority of new entrants finding jobs within the informal economy. The youth also experience a virtual devaluation of their education credentials compared to earlier cohort. Work opportunities are inter-related with the other dimensions of youth exclusion: education and learning; potentials for forming families and channels for exercising citizenship. Exclusion is a cumulative process, with each of these life transitions having an overlapping impact on the others.

This study also shows that youth exclusion is highly gendered. While female school enrollment rates have increased in the past few decades; there remains a significant minority of girls deprived of schooling, particularly in rural Upper Egypt. Similarly, while labor market conditions have improved for most groups, recent analysis shows some alarming trends in female e

Publications.

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:28:50 GMT

Social Exclusion: Comparative Analysis of Europe and Middle East Youth • DSG-MEYI • Working Paper • MEYI WP 1 • Hilary Silver • •

Most typically, analyses of youth have employed either the neo-classical economic framework of human capital or the socio-demographic framework of lifecourse research in the Middle East. While both have produced important findings and insights, their focus on supply-side processes of individuals is limited. The role of institutions on the supply side is especially important in understanding youth disadvantage in the Middle East.

As research turns to the sources of youth disadvantage, comparative studies may fruitfully adopt a perspective oriented to the idea of social exclusion. Whatever the content and criteria of social membership, socially excluded groups and individuals lack capacity or access to social opportunity. Exclusion breaks the larger social bond holding groups together. Thus, exclusion is at once a macro and a micro phenomenon. The theoretical orientation of social exclusion can be distinguished from the previous two approaches in that it considers trajectories of group relations as well as relations between individuals, and examines not only those excluded, but also the excluding institutions and individuals that benefit from the process.

In this paper, we emphasize that social exclusion is context-specific, relationship, and multi-dimensional. Everyone goes through youth, and most of us are socially included, making the “normal” transition to adult social membership. However, studying the exclusion of youth as a status or group is justified insofar as age serves as a basis of social differentiation in both Europe and the Middle East that impedes full participation in adult social life. Thus, it is the intersection of youth with other dimensions of disadvantage that makes social exclusion a useful framework for analysis.

• Most typically, analyses of youth

Publications.

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:15:47 GMT

Inclusion: Meeting the 100 Million Youth Challenge • DSG-MEYI • Working Paper • None • Navtej Dhillon and Tarik Yousef • 274 •

Dhillon and Yousef present a snapshot preview of the Initiative’s integrated framework for analysis in “Inclusion: Meeting the 100 Million Youth Challenge."

Available in both Arabic and English, the publication assesses the challenges and opportunities facing youth in the Middle East. Through country case studies and personal stories, the publication contextualizes the complexity of the issue and generates recommendations that promote inclusion.

Statistics and data analysis highlight current realities and underline the importance of two major themes: 1) translating the demographic bulge into a dividend to improve incomes per capita, bolster savings and investment, and improve social welfare; and 2) creating a new social contract that meets the expectations and aspirations of youth.

• Dhillon and Yousef present a snapshot preview of the Initiative’s integrated framework for analysis in “Inclusion: Meeting the 100 Million Youth Challenge." • • 5.73 MB • •

Publications.

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:13:26 GMT

The Costs of Youth Exclusion in the Middle East • DSG-MEYI • Working Paper • MEYI WP 7 • Jad Chaaban • •

While the Middle East is experiencing its best economic performance in three decades, the region also finds itself endowed with an unprecedented "youth bulge." With the highest proportion of youth to adults in the region’s history, the "youth bulge" offers a vast pool of human capital that must be tapped in order to sustain economic growth.

However, many youth are currently excluded from playing productive roles in the region’s economic markets and face difficulties finding meaningful employment and affordable housing, accessing formal credit, and marrying and forming a family. This results in a debilitating state of dependency for the most potentially productive segment of the population. As a result, the region sacrifices billions of dollars to lost wages and weakened productivity.

In "The Costs of Youth Exclusion in the Middle East," Jad Chaaban, Assistant Professor of Economics at the American University of Beirut, quantifies the economic costs incurred by Middle Eastern countries specifically due to youth unemployment and joblessness, school dropouts, adolescent pregnancy and youth migration. The analysis contains country-specific estimates and pioneers a new methodology to obtain region-wide estimates of the costs of youth exclusion.

Middle Eastern countries are among the furthest away from the "best practice frontier" in reducing youth exclusion, and recent years have seen deteriorating performance in the region. Estimates of the aggregate economic costs of youth exclusion are as high as US$53 billion in Egypt (17% of GDP) and US$1.5 billion in Jordan (7% of GDP). As emphasized in the study, these numerical costs do not capture the wide-ranging social or psychological costs of exclusion. Indeed, the true costs of youth exclusion in the region may be much higher.

Chaaban finds

Publications.

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:19:43 GMT

Op-Ed: The Dollar Peg Advantage • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Tarek Coury • • • Tarek Coury provides a perspective on UAE monetary policy in light of the recent global financial crisis. • /DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=355 • • •

Publications.

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:54:26 GMT

Stalled Youth Transitions in the Middle East: A Framework for Policy Reform • DSG-MEYI • Working Paper • MEYI WP 8 • Djavad Salehi-Isfahani, Navtej Dhillon • •

Rising oil prices and increased investment have spurred economic growth in the Middle East. At the same time, about one-third of the region’s population is now between the ages of 15 and 29. This confluence of economic growth and millions of youth ready to hit the job market could be a recipe for prosperity. However, young people are encountering numerous obstacles: with one quarter of Middle Eastern youth unemployed, they are unlikely to be able to afford housing, access credit, or get married and start a family.

The root cause of youth exclusion lies in the institutions that mediate transitions from school to work and family formation. These institutions provide the signals that tell young people what skills to learn, tell firms whom to hire and how much to pay, tell credit agencies to whom to lend, and tell families how to evaluate the potential of a young person as a future spouse or parent. In the region, many of these signals and incentives are skewed, leading to adverse consequences for young people, including a mismatch between those skills obtained in the education system and those demanded for jobs in the growing private sector.

Policy must take into account the interconnectedness of outcomes in education, employment, and family formation: reforms in one area will not be effective, and may even be counter-productive, without consideration of their impact on other sectors. Suggested reforms include: giving greater flexibility to the private sector in hiring, compensation, and dismissal practices, encouraging "soft skills" formation through university

• Rising oil prices and increased investment have spurred economic growth in the Middle East. At the same time, about one-third of the region’s population is now between the ages of 15 and 29. T

Publications.

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 07:37:45 GMT

Gender and Human Security: Palestine Revisited • DSG • Working Paper • WP 08-09 • Manal Jamal • •

This working paper has been submitted as a chapter in Gender Perspectives on Human Security, edited by Rosalind Boyd.

By examining the Palestinian women’s sector, this paper investigates the forms of social and political organization which are better able to promote a human security agenda. It argues that although the Palestinian women’s sector is now represented by a number of strong non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the women’s sector as a whole, especially the non-Islamist movement, is characterized by fragmentation and alienation from the grassroots. Transformations in the non-Islamist women’s movement in the post-Madrid period have marginalized the primacy of popular participation as an ‘organizing concept.’ As a result, although the women’s sector may be able to promote the short-term goals associated with a human security agenda, it is more limited in its ability to promote the longer-term objectives which require stronger connections to grassroots constituencies.

• This working paper has been submitted as a chapter in Gender Perspectives on Human Security, edited by Rosalind Boyd. • • 169 KB • •

Publications.

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 07:29:48 GMT

Monetary Union in the GCC: A Preliminary Analysis • DSG • Working Paper • WP 08-10 • Tarek Coury, Chetan Dave • 267 •

States comprising the Gulf Cooperation Council have expressed an intent to form a monetary union in 2010. The planned union follows a policy of intraregional economic and financial integration and was formulated shortly after the creation of the GCC in 1981. This paper studies conditions under which a common currency should be adopted and whether the Gulf States meet these conditions. We employ annual GDP and inflation data for the period 1980-2006. The analysis reveals little business cycle synchronization among constituent states, despite highly correlated natural resource-driven exports; suggesting little economic rationale for a monetary union. Additionally, business cycles of Gulf States show little correlation with the business cycle of the United States; this in turn suggests that a monetary union whose common currency is pegged to the US dollar is likely to perpetuate current inflation volatility and may exacerbate it. The lack of synchronization signals that particular care in resolving economic asymmetries through agreed-upon structural adjustments and proper institutional design of a common central bank is necessary to achieve a viable common currency. Implementation of these changes may require Gulf states to revisit the timing of the currency union.

• States comprising the Gulf Cooperation Council have expressed an intent to form a monetary union in 2010. The planned union follows a policy of intraregional economic and financial integration and was formulated shortly after the creation of the GCC in 1981. • • 229 KB • •

Publications.

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 07:20:29 GMT

The Tyranny of Demography: Exploring the Fertility Transition in the Middle East and North Africa • DSG • Working Paper • WP 08-11 • Paul Dyer, Tarik Yousef • 279,274 •

The Middle East and North Africa region has experienced some of the highest population growth rates observed in the world since 1950. These demographic trends have generated the most intense and persistent labor market pressures since the 1970s and have been linked to rising unemployment rates, especially among young adults. This paper provides a detailed characterization of the region’s demographic transition, focusing on the delayed fertility decline and the recent acceleration in the fertility transition. It utilizes an international empirical framework to analyze the determinants of fertility trends and to decompose the various factors in accounting for the decline of fertility observed in the region.

• The Middle East and North Africa region has experienced some of the highest population growth rates observed in the world since 1950. • • 154 KB • •

Publications.

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 09:09:54 GMT

Will the Oil Boom Solve the Middle East Unemployment Crisis? • DSG • Policy Brief • Policy Brief 1 • Paul Dyer • 279 •

During the recent oil boom, the MENA region has seen job creation accelerate. Given favorable economic prospects going forward, the region could see unemployment decline to nearly 7 percent by 2010. But this positive forecast depends on the region’s ability to continue creating jobs at current rates. Achieving this will prove difficult, especially since MENA economies are still marked by high labor market rigidities and the public sector continues to play a dominant role in these economies. Moreover, positive labor outcomes do not apply uniformly across MENA. Many non-oil economies have seen unemployment increase in recent years. While oil producers may have the choice to manage job creation on the back of oil revenues, other countries have few choices but to press forward on reforms.

• During the recent oil boom, the MENA region has seen job creation accelerate. • • 115 KB • •

Publications.

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 09:07:17 GMT

Exploring E-Government Barriers in the Arab States • DSG • Policy Brief • Policy Brief 2 • Fadi Salem • 264 •

A majority of e-government initiatives around the world, including many in the Arab states, have been unsuccessful in securing better service provision, improved efficiency and greater engagement with citizens. To avoid repeated failures in e-government projects, a country-specific “right fit” has to be achieved. This requires leadership commitment, a cross-governmental vision, appropriate planning, a rational investment strategy, appropriate regulatory frameworks, practical awareness campaigns and rigorous capacity building for public administrators. Accepting the notion that there is no single correct approach to e-government is critical to avoiding common failures.

• A majority of e-government initiatives around the world, including many in the Arab states, have been unsuccessful in securing better service provision, improved efficiency and greater engagement with citizens. • • 118 KB • •

Publications.

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 09:04:29 GMT

Enhancing Trust in e-Voting through Knowledge Management: The Case of the UAE • Non-DSG • Conference Paper • None • Fadi Salem • 264 •

Despite repeatedly ranking high in terms of e-government readiness and social acceptance of ICTs, there were doubts that the government decision to push for using e-voting in the first elections held in the country’s history would be crossing the boundary of social acceptance of technology. This paper assesses the role of knowledge management in the e-voting process in the UAE’s first election. The paper argues that knowledge management can play an important role in widening social acceptance in e-government processes such as e-voting through increasing transparency, thus enhancing trust in government. However, a certain reservoir of trust in government is a prerequisite for social acceptance of e-voting, regardless of the e-readiness level in the country.

• Conference Paper submitted to the Seventh UN Global Forum on Reinventing Government, Vienna, Austria, June 26-29, 2007 • • 155 KB • •

Publications.

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 09:02:43 GMT

عقبات تطبيق الحكومة الإلكترونية في الدول العربية
E-Government Barriers in the Arab World (Arabic) • Non-DSG • Conference Paper • None • Fadi Salem • 264 •

Conference Paper submitted to the First National Conference of E-Government in Syria, Damascus, Syria, June 16-19, 2007

تهدف مبادرات الحكومة الإلكترونية إلى رفع مستوى الأداء الحكومي عامةً، حيث يؤدي التطبيق السليم لهذه المبادرات إلى رفع سوية الخدمات الحكومية المقدّمة للمواطنين وللقطاع الخاص وتعزيز فعاليّة عمل الحكومة داخلياً، إضافةً إلى توسيع مشاركة المواطنين في عملية اتخاذ القرار. غير أن عديداً من الدراسات تشير إلى أن نسبةً كبيرةً من المبادرات الهادفة لتطبيق الحكومة الإلكترونية حول العالم، بما فيها عديد من المشاريع في الدول العربية، لم تنجح في تحقيق هذه الأهداف الموعودة. تعرض هذه الورقة نتائج دراسة أجريت حول عوائق الحكومة الإلكترونية في الدول العربية. وتشير النتائج إلى أن هذه الدول تواجه عدداً من العقبات المشتركة التي تعيق تطبيق الحكومة الإلكترونية فيها بالشكل الأمثل. وتخلص الدراسة إلى أنه لتفادي تكرار الوقوع في حالات الفشل، يجب أن يسعى القائمون على مبادرات الحكومة الإلكترونية العربية للتوصل إلى حالة "التوافق الأمثل" بين عوامل النجاح الرئيسية للحكومة الإلكترونية التي تراعي خصوصية الدولة الجاري تطبيق المبادرة فيها.

• Conference Paper submitted to the First National Conference of E-Government in Syria, Damascus, Syria, June 16-19, 2007 • • • 105 KB •

Publications.

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:55:48 GMT

The Real Issue Raised by the Qatif Verdict • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • May Al-Dabbagh • 262 • • In an op-ed piece published in the December 7, 2007 issue of Arab News, DSG Research Fellow May Al-Dabbagh addresses the Qatif rape case and calls for a more inclusive definition of human security based on a transparent regulatory legal framework. • /DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=83 • • •

Publications.

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:53:41 GMT

The Over-Educated, Under-Utilized Arab Professional: Why Doesn’t Human Capital Development Bring Desired Outcomes? • DSG • Working Paper • WP 08-01 • Khalid Al-Yahya • 258 •

Abstract

Integrating multiple theoretical perspectives, we propose and test a model of human capital resource utilization at the organizational level in public sector in Saudi Arabia and Oman (N=540). The study findings expose a widespread under-utilization problem. Skills and abilities of employees, although relatively and increasingly abundant, are invariably underutilized. We found that competence utilization is closely associated with factors related to HR practices and organization design, namely power-influence sharing in decision making, utilization and empowerment of work teams, matching jobs to people, and use of competence as a basis for advancement and authority. Without effective utilization mechanisms, additional skill development might prove ineffective and largely irrelevant to performance and overall effectiveness of governance system.

• Integrating multiple theoretical perspectives, we propose and test a model of human capital resource utilization at the organizational level in public sector in Saudi Arabia and Oman (N=540). • • 238 KB • •

Publications.

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:52:04 GMT

Benchmarking the e-Government Bulldozer: Beyond Measuring the Tread Marks • DSG • Working Paper • WP 08-02 • Fadi Salem • 264 •

As electronic government initiatives continue to gain global momentum, interest in benchmarking various aspects of e-government is expanding rapidly. Academic researchers, NGOs and private and public sector organisations have produced numerous benchmarking methodologies for measuring and evaluating e-government development locally, nationally, regionally and globally. This paper investigates the role of international benchmarking as a driver for e-government development. After reviewing 44 e-government benchmarking reports and evaluating their credibility, validity and acceptance in academic and practitioner literature, the paper systematically compares and contrasts ten short-listed established international e-government benchmarking methodologies. The comparative analysis is conducted utilizing a proposed conceptual framework which specifically assesses the context, methodology, type of benchmarking and social paradigmatic tendency of each of the reports studied. The paper argues that this framework provides public administrators with a valuable conceptual lens for understanding the value of e-government benchmarking exercises to better assess their validity and applicability as drivers for development of their e-government initiative. Based on the findings of the comparative analysis and literature review, the paper concludes that -regardless of the methodology adopted- international e-government benchmarking does play a crucial role in driving e-government development, only when the exercise is accompanied with a long-term iterative adaptation and reform mechanism.

This is an electronic version of an article published in the Journal of Measuring Business Excellence, volume 11, issue 4, pp. 9-22.

• As electronic government i

Publications.

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:50:37 GMT

Results-Based Government in Arab States: Drivers, Barriers and Tensions • DSG • Policy Brief • Policy Brief 3 • Nesrine S. Halima • •

This policy brief examines the relationship between globalization and results-based government, and how global processes and trends have affected the public sector in Arab states. The brief concludes that the variance between the levels of progress in adopting and applying these tools of public administration across the Arab world cannot be attributed to lack of political commitment alone, but also resides within the specific institutional and sociocultural histories of Arab states.

• This policy brief examines the relationship between globalization and results-based government, and how global processes and trends have affected the public sector in Arab states. • • 970 KB • 1012 KB •

Publications.

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:48:03 GMT

Fountain of Youth • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Nabil Alyousuf • 269 • • In an editorial in the January 12 Gulf News, DSG Executive President Nabil Alyousuf writes about the importance of focusing attention on youth inclusion and promoting policies to unlock the potential of the Middle East’s "greatest asset." • /DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=76 • • •

Publications.

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:46:09 GMT

Bush Should be Made Aware • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Manal Jamal • • • In a January 10-16 opinion piece in Al-Ahram, DSG Research Fellow Manal Jamal urges US President Bush to understand that "dignity needs to be restored to Palestinian lives, and that international law and UN resolutions must be the centerpiece of any peace process." • /DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=71 • • •

Publications.

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:44:50 GMT

Making a Great Arab City • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Rami Khouri • 284 • • In his internationally syndicated opinion column, DSG Research Fellow Rami Khouri urges the people and leaders of Dubai to define what "their new urbanism can now contribute to the rest of the world in the realm of ideas, knowledge, culture, and universal human norms". • /DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=56 • • •

Publications.

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:42:29 GMT

The Context for Intergroup Leadership Among Women’s Groups in Saudi Arabia • DSG • Working Paper • WP 08-03 • May Al-Dabbagh • 262 •

This working paper is a revised manuscript submitted on February 6, 2008 as a chapter in Crossing the Divide: Intergroup Leadership in a World of Difference, Harvard Business School Press, forthcoming in 2008.

• This working paper is a revised manuscript submitted on February 6, 2008 • • 331 KB • •

Publications.

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:41:07 GMT

Sinews of Growth: Generative Infrastructural Urbanism in Dubai • DSG • Policy Brief • Policy Brief 4 • Stephen J. Ramos • •

As Dubai embarks on the Dubai World Central (DWC) project in parallel with its Urban Development Framework plan, it is instructive to review similar moments in the Emirate’s past when large-scale infrastructural projects generated formal changes in the metropolitan area. In contemporary circumstances, high capital liquidity from a more diversified economic base, matched with the desire to continue developing Dubai’s international tourism and trade profiles, has launched a new round of infrastructure planning and construction. Recommendations are offered on how these projects will spatially impact the metropolitan form and functionality, and how the Emirate can best prepare for these changes.

• As Dubai embarks on the Dubai World Central (DWC) project in parallel with its Urban Development Framework plan, it is instructive to review similar moments in the Emirate’s past when large-scale infrastructural projects generated formal changes in the metropolitan area. • • 450 KB • 363 KB •

Publications.

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:39:37 GMT

Estimating the Impact of the Hajj: Religion and Tolerance in Islam’s Global Gathering • DSG • Working Paper • WP 08-04 • David Clingingsmith, Asim Ijaz Khwaja, Michael Kremer • 277 •

We estimate the impact on pilgrims of performing the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Our method compares successful and unsuccessful applicants in a lottery used by Pakistan to allocate Hajj visas. Pilgrim accounts stress that the Hajj leads to a feeling of unity with fellow Muslims, but outsiders have sometimes feared that this could be accompanied by antipathy toward non-Muslims. We find that participation in the Hajj increases observance of global Islamic practices such as prayer and fasting while decreasing participation in localized practices and beliefs such as the use of amulets and dowry. It increases belief in equality and harmony among ethnic groups and Islamic sects and leads to more favorable attitudes toward women, including greater acceptance of female education and employment. Increased unity within the Islamic world is not accompanied by antipathy toward non-Muslims. Instead, Hajjis show increased belief in peace, and in equality and harmony among adherents of different religions. The evidence suggests that these changes are more a result of exposure to and interaction with Hajjis from around the world, rather than religious instruction or a changed social role of pilgrims upon return.

• We estimate the impact on pilgrims of performing the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Our method compares successful and unsuccessful applicants in a lottery used by Pakistan to allocate Hajj visas. • • 1.34 MB • •

Publications.

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:37:37 GMT

Monetary Delegation: Credibility through Dynamic Incentives • DSG • Working Paper • WP 08-05 • Tarek Coury, Vladimir P. Petkov • 267 •

This paper studies delegation of monetary policy to an independent but accountable Central Banker. In a setting with a dynamic expectations augmented Phillips curve and adjustment costs to the Central Banker’s reputation, we describe a credible institutional arrangement that allows the government to circumvent its dynamic inconsistency problem. When adjustment costs are negligible, we show that delegation generates an equilibrium in?ation plan identical to the precommitment path. This result holds for a wide range of Central Banker’s preferences. Furthermore, the government is able to achieve perfect commitment in the steady state when steady state adjustment costs are nil.

• This paper studies delegation of monetary policy to an independent but accountable Central Banker. • • 318 KB • •

Publications.

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:35:40 GMT

The Young Must Work for Success, Like Their Parents • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Huda Sajwani • 261 • • In an opinion piece in The National, DSG Research Associate Huda Sajwani urges UAE youth to take advantage of a wide variety of opportunities available to them in the areas of education, entrepreneurship and other areas: "If we can capitalize on the opportunities that have been presented to us … we shall be able to achieve the same kind of success as our parents and grandparents." • /DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=28 • • •

Publications.

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:11:14 GMT

Political Economy of Government Responsiveness: Policy Choices and Rural Incorporation • DSG • Working Paper • WP 08-07 • Haroon K. Ullah • 272 •

The literature of political development has long advocated the importance of integrating the rural countryside into mainstream political institutions. This paper argues that rural incorporation is best understood within the context of pro-peasant policy innovations targeting specific constituencies in an electorate. While there are important preconditions that set the stage for rural incorporation (legitimacy of the political party, party organization), rural incorporation is fostered when credible commitments are made to voter blocs. Combining case-study analysis and formal modeling, this paper focuses on the reasons pro-peasant policies lead to rural incorporation but not necessarily regime durability. Insights derived center on the importance of credible commitments to party dynamics, the path dependence of early elections, and the decision parameters of constituencies with limited information.

• The literature of political development has long advocated the importance of integrating the rural countryside into mainstream political institutions. This paper argues that rural incorporation is best understood within the context of pro-peasant policy innovations targeting specific constituencies in an electorate. • • 431 KB • •

Publications.

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 07:21:57 GMT

Economic Analysis of the Nurse Shortage in Egypt • DSG • Working Paper • WP 08-06 • Marwa Farag • •

The health sector in Egypt suffers from a severe shortage of qualified nurses (nurses with at least two years of post high school nursing education) and a much less apparent perceived/real shortage of all-type of nurses. This paper examines the nurse labor market in Egypt for evidence of such shortages, and explores potential reasons behind them. The paper adopts a case study approach to provide an overall understanding of the demand for and supply of nurses in Egypt; it employs both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Focus groups and in-depth interviews were conducted with 19 nurses, in addition to secondary analysis of data from the World Health Organization - East Mediterranean Region, the High Council for University Students in Egypt, and the Ministry of Health and Population. I find that the main reason for the shortage of the stock of qualified nurses is, to a large extent, the restricted supply of nursing education, which is provided entirely by the public sector today. The overall perceived/real shortage of all-type nurses, on the other hand, does not seem to be related to a shortage of the stock of all nurses but rather nurse supply decisions at the current nurse wage levels and nurse working conditions in Egypt.

The Ministry of Health and Population’s current approach is to upgrade the quality of nursing education in Egypt to eliminate high school level nursing education in the future. This seems to be the right approach. However, as a result of lack of quantitative labor market data, it is not possible to predict the likely effect of such a policy on the shortage. Since a more educated nurse is more employable in the private sector a

Publications.

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 07:17:41 GMT

A Double Dividend for the Middle East • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Nabil Alyousuf • 269 • • DSG Executive President Nabil Alyousuf argues for educational reform, revised labor policies and more emphasis on entrepreneurship as ways to take advantage of a demographic bulge in the Middle East. • /DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=7 • • •

Publications.

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 07:16:23 GMT

Creating the Right Policies for National Success • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Hafed Al-Ghwell • 282 • • Director of External Affairs and Communication Hafed Al-Ghwell outlines the ways in which an effective and capable public administration that implements sound public policy provides a strategic advantage leading some countries to greater success. • /DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=6 • • •

Publications.

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 07:09:13 GMT

Through its Aid, the UAE can be a 'Soft' Power for Good • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Habiba Hamid • 278 • • In an opinion piece in The National, DSG Research Associate Habiba Hamid asserts that the UAE can use the creation of the new Aid Coordination Office as a chance to introduce "an unheard of level of ‘soft’ power to create goodwill around the globe at the same time as examining the impact of its interventions." • /DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=186 • • •

Publications.

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 06:55:46 GMT

Women in work: there’s good news, but the UAE has more to do • Non-DSG • Opinion/Editorial • None • Christine Assaad • 280 • • Christine Assaad argues that the UAE can improve its international economic competitiveness by more effectively utilizing the potential of the country’s women. In an opinion piece published in The National, she outlines ways to boost gender parity in the economic, educational, health and political spheres, while emphasizing the need for more accurate statistical information. • /DSGNews/tabid/287/language/en-US/Default.aspx?udt_755_param_detail=240 • • •

Publications.

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 05:58:33 GMT

Migration as a Way to Diversify: Evidence from Rural to Urban Migration in the US • DSG • Working Paper • WP 08-08 • Mohammad Arzaghi, Anil Rupasingha • •

The utility maximization theory of migration is well established as the prevailing approach in migration studies. This paper extends the model by introducing uncertainty in the determinants of utility, specifically income and unemployment; and analyzes the effects of the informational advantages of migrants in dealing with such uncertainty. The paper maintains that migration would expand an individual’s economic choices and opportunities. The fact that the migrants have information about and access to their origins in addition to their destination gives them possible diversification advantages. Consequently, these advantages influence the location decisions of migrants. The model shows that the presence of such consideration can be captured by introduction of the correlation of incomes in the origin and potential destinations in the structural empirical model of migration. The discrete choice model based on the random utility maximization has provided a credible framework and sound theoretical underpinnings for empirical investigation of migration and this paper’s hypothesis. However, in practice, the implementation of this methodology presents problems when the number of spatial choices is large. This paper takes advantage of an equivalent relation between the conditional logit model and Poisson regression to study the migration decisions using aggregate data among a large set of spatial alternatives, and to test influence of the diversification concerns in migration decisions. The paper analyzes the migration from the United States rural counties to urban counties. The results show that the diversification concerns have significant effects on location decisions of the rural-urban migrants in the United States.

• The utility maximization theory of migration is well estab

Publications.

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:49:13 GMT

State of the Region 2006: A Report on the Forum’s Proceedings • DSG • Proceedings/Transcripts • None • • •

On September 9, 2006, the Dubai School of Government brought together Dubai government leaders and international experts to discuss several key dynamics affecting the Arab world. This State of the Region Forum focused on four central issues: political governance and reform, regional security and instability, oil markets and regional economies, and the family corporation. The forum presented an opportunity for participants to analyze and discuss these issues in consultation with their colleagues and prominent specialists in these fields. Speakers included Tarik Yousef, Nada Mourtada-Sabbah, Rami Khouri, Mustapha Al-Sayyid, Christian Koch, Vali Nasr, Paul Pillar, Yasar Jarrar, John Zogby, Abdulrazak Alfaris, Fareed Mohamedi, Nasser Saidi, Belaid Rettab, Jerry Todd, and Mishal Kanoo.

• On September 9, 2006, the Dubai School of Government brought together Dubai government leaders and international experts to discuss several key dynamics affecting the Arab world. • • 3.57 MB • •

Publications.

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:48:14 GMT

2nd Arab Regional Forum on Reinventing Government: A Report on the Forum Proceedings • DSG • Proceedings/Transcripts • None • • •

In April 2006, Arab government leaders and experts active in the field of public sector reform in the Arab world met in Dubai. The meeting signified the convening of the second Arab Regional Forum on Reinventing Government, and concluded with a set of recommendations aimed at improving governance in the Arab world.

• In April 2006, Arab government leaders and experts active in the field of public sector reform in the Arab world met in Dubai. • • 736 KB • 633 KB •

Publications.

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:47:36 GMT

Innovations in Governance: A Report on the Proceedings of the First Arab Regional Forum on Innovations in Governance • DSG • Proceedings/Transcripts • None • • •

The Arab Regional Forum on Innovations in Governance was designed to provide a platform for interactive dialogue between practitioners, scholars and policymakers to learn and build knowledge through a mutual exchange of experience and ideas. This report was developed from that dialogue. Forum participants and presenters came together from over 20 countries, bringing unique perspectives on issues they have faced as government officials, academics and civil society representatives in regard to developing and implementing innovations in governmental policies and procedures.

Lessons learned from the conference centered on the key areas of institutional and organizational restructuring; public-private collaboration of government, civil society and the private sector; civic participation and accountability; decentralization, devolution, and local governance; and, engaging youth in civic participation.

• The Arab Regional Forum on Innovations in Governance was designed to provide a platform for interactive dialogue between practitioners, scholars and policymakers to learn and build knowledge through a mutual exchange of experience and ideas. • • 1.62 MB • 3.91 MB •

Publications.

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:46:44 GMT

The Middle East: Between Progress and Conflict • DSG • Proceedings/Transcripts • None • • •

On November 8, 2007, the Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs and the Dubai School of Government brought together scholars and international experts to focus on the dynamics of economic and political transformation in the Middle East. "The Middle East: Between Economic Progress and Conflict" offered participants an opportunity to discuss prospects for economic reform, current regional conflicts and the shifting balance of power in the Middle East.

Speakers included Graham Allison, Nabil Alyousuf, Tarik Yousef, Vali Nasr, Lakhdar Brahimi, Joseph Nye, Rami Khouri, Ashton B. Carter, Emad Shahin, Richard Bulliet, Carrie Wickham, Olivier Roy, Edward Djerejian, Roger Owen, Shibley Telhami, Toby Dodge, Paul Salem, Jeffrey Frankel, Kito de Boer, Mustapha Nabli

• On November 8, 2007, the Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs and the Dubai School of Government brought together scholars and international experts to focus on the dynamics of economic and political transformation in the Middle East. • • 634 KB • •

Publications.

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:45:57 GMT

The Arab World Competitiveness Report 2007: Sustaining the Growth Momentum • DSG • Report • None • • •

Published by the World Economic Forum, the Report provides an in-depth assessment of competitiveness of economies in the Arab world vis-à-vis the rest of the world, highlighting strengths and weaknesses of individual countries while offering a tool for assessing the efficiency of measures taken and overall progress. It is intended to support policy makers and businesses alike in their endeavor to enhance competitiveness in the region.

The Dubai School of Government contributed to the development of the Report’s content, and Dean Tarik Yousef of the Dubai School of Government served on the Report’s core team of editors.

See the full report

The School also translated the Executive Summary and data tables of the Report into Arabic.

• Published by the World Economic Forum, the Report provides an in-depth assessment of competitiveness of economies in the Arab world vis-à-vis the rest of the world, highlighting strengths and weaknesses of individual countries while offering a tool for assessing the efficiency of measures taken and overall progress. • • • 654 KB •

Publications.

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:20:45 GMT

Measuring and Evaluating E-Government in Arab Countries • DSG • Proceedings/Transcripts • None • • •

This publication presents: 1) the proceedings of the regional High Level Seminar on Measuring and Evaluating E-Government (12 March 2007, Dubai), and of the 3rd Meeting of Working Group 2 on E-Government and Administrative Simplification (13 March 2007, Dubai); and, 2) the initial results of the analysis of country papers submitted by Arab countries as background to the seminar. Both events were organised within the framework of the OECD Good Governance for Development (GfD) in Arab Countries Initiative.

• This publication presents: 1) the proceedings of the regional High Level Seminar on Measuring and Evaluating E-Government (12 March 2007, Dubai), and of the 3rd Meeting of Working Group 2 on E-Government and Administrative Simplification (13 March 2007, Dubai); and, 2) the initial results of the analysis of country papers submitted by Arab countries as background to the seminar. • • 1.87 MB • •

Publications.

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 08:39:17 GMT

Innovations in Governance: Examples from the Arab World & Beyond • DSG • Proceedings/Transcripts • None • • •

The Dubai School of Government and the Ash Institute convened the First Arab Regional Forum on Innovations in Governance in November 2006. The forum launched the first Arab regional network of innovators in governance, and provided a platform for government officials, parliamentarians, representatives of non-governmental organizations and academics to exchange experiences and lessons learned from innovations developed around the world, including the Arab countries.

• A Brief on the First Arab Regional Forum on Innovations in Governance • • • •