Based on the forecasts of population growth and demand data for electricity, food and water for the Gulf Cooperation states GCC, this report investigates the viewpoint for the main resources in the next decade by exploring policy options to ensure that demand and supply are at equilibrium. This report also looks at the economic and the social challenges in implementing such policies.

The report is structured in an inductive approach of research, which initially explores and analyses quantitative data of resources demand and supply, then through a qualititative approach by running a program of extensive interviews with experts in economics, academia and leading figures in various fields discussing and concluding on the implications of such data followed by policy recommendations.

The first chapter of the report looks at energy-efficiency actions by investigating the growth facts in industrial development and its demand for oil and gas. Then it looks at key challenges in managing domestic demand for energy, namely consumption of electricity and its implications. After that it looks at current and future investments in nuclear and solar energy.

The second part focus on Water supply crisis in the region, the main political difficulties and the opportunities of development in this sector. Then it investigates the interplay between water desalination expansion and energy policy.

The most critical part of this report focuses on food resources and supply challenges; it begins by a case study of the food price spike in 2008 and its implications on policy aftershock, and then lays down some facts and figures. This part is then concluded by the controversial political controversy of food security and the current and potential agricultural investment, and investment sharing with food producing countries.

 

 

http://graphics.eiu.com/upload/eb/GCC_in_2020_Resources_WEB.pdf