The Third Al-Jisr Research Workshop

June 6 - 9, 2010
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The third research project workshop finalized the papers on the challenge and potential of economic growth and diversification in the GCC. Among the issues being focused on were sector specific studies such as building materials, the aluminium industry and Islamic Banking as well as broader topics including the external influences on GCC labor markets, private sector competitiveness, and the rationale for and obstacles to monetary integration. Other papers focused on the wage system in the GCC countries, the role played by educational reform and the consequences of migration and the lessons to be learned from the EU experience.  There was also a focus on the labor market including studies on the impact on women and the labor market situation in Bahrain. The Gulf region in the global economic context and GCC integration with international trade mechanisms rounded out the discussions.