Economic Research Forum (ERF)

Raed Safadi

Founding contributors

Raed Safadi
Government of Dubai

Raed Safadi is the chief economic adviser at Dubai’s Department of Economic Development where he leads a team of experts entrusted with the implementation of Dubai’s Strategic Plan 2021, and promoting the diversification and sustainable growth of Dubai and its transformation into a knowledge-based economy. Dr. Safadi is a leading specialist on the empirical and policy analysis of economic development and has extensive experience advising governments on economic policy and management.

Content by this Author

Harnessing technology for export growth by small businesses

What policy actions can help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enhance their integration into the global market for goods, services and ideas? This column outlines recommendations in a new book on the opportunities and challenges facing SMEs in developing countries, focusing in particular on the role of digital technology in supporting SMEs in Arab economies to export and grow.

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Untapped talent, unrealised growth: jobs and women in the MENAAP region

Only around one in five women of working age participate in the labour markets of the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan. As this column explains, the region can no longer afford to leave half its human capital underused. Expanding women’s labour force participation is central to growth and resilience in the face of looming demographic change.

Closing the gender gap in political participation in MENA

Women across the Middle East and North Africa participate less than men in politics – not only in political parties and elections, but also in petitions, boycotts, protests and strikes. This column reports evidence from ten countries showing that differences in education, employment and political attitudes explain part of this disparity, yet a significant gender gap remains.

Labour demand and informal employment in Egypt’s manufacturing sector

Egypt’s manufacturing sector faces a dual challenge of weak job creation and persistent informality. Drawing on survey evidence on business behaviour and labour market dynamics, this column explains why job creation is limited and informal work remains such an integral part of how firms organise production. The generation of more formal jobs requires a comprehensive policy approach, one that goes beyond enforcement of labour regulations to reshape the economic environment in which firms and workers make decisions.

Challenges of conflict and industrial policy for development

How effective is industrial policy as a tool for long-term economic growth and development? Against the backdrop of the conflict currently engulfing the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAAP), a new report argues that while industrial policies are widely used across the region, they can only address market failures and foster growth when they are aligned with country capabilities, implemented with accountability and backed by capable institutions.




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