Macroeconomics
Baland Rabayah
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Private Economy ...

COVID-19 had a profound impact on global economic output, resulting in a contraction of approximately 3% in world GDP in 2020. Furthermore, the impact was not only significant but also unevenly distributed, with certain nations being more severely affected than others. While the effects of COVID-19 on economic performance are well-documented on both global and national levels, one may ask: what effect did COVID-19 have on a regional scale?

In this analysis, we develop a simple model to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the private economic output of different municipalities in Bahrain. To the authors' knowledge, this is not only the first study to explore the municipal-level effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic growth but also the first to estimate private economic activity at the municipal level for the Kingdom of Bahrain. As of 2022, our results indicate that most municipalities had returned to their pre-pandemic levels of economic activity. However, when compared to pre-pandemic economic trends, the results show that the Muharraq and Northern Municipalities were the most affected compared to the rest of the economy.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Private Economy of Bahraini Municipalities

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Private Economy of Bahraini Municipalities

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Private Economy of Bahraini Municipalities

COVID-19 had a profound impact on global economic output, resulting in a contraction of approximately 3% in world GDP in 2020. Furthermore, the impact was not only significant but also unevenly distributed, with certain nations being more severely affected than others. While the effects of COVID-19 on economic performance are well-documented on both global and national levels, one may ask: what effect did COVID-19 have on a regional scale?

In this analysis, we develop a simple model to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the private economic output of different municipalities in Bahrain. To the authors' knowledge, this is not only the first study to explore the municipal-level effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic growth but also the first to estimate private economic activity at the municipal level for the Kingdom of Bahrain. As of 2022, our results indicate that most municipalities had returned to their pre-pandemic levels of economic activity. However, when compared to pre-pandemic economic trends, the results show that the Muharraq and Northern Municipalities were the most affected compared to the rest of the economy.

Can the adoption of electric cars reduce energy and emission outcomes in the Kingdom of Bahrain?

Can the adoption of electric cars reduce energy and emission outcomes in the Kingdom of Bahrain?

In this discussion paper, we look at the potential effects of adopting electric cars and their outcomes on the Kingdom of Bahrains Energy consumption and CO2 emissions. We construct a simplified model that looks at different potential adoption rates of electric vehicles and how this affects transportation energy and emissions outcomes based on assumptions about fuel consumption, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle fuel efficiencies, and other essential variables. We find that under our assumptions, the Kingdom would see 17% lower energy usage for transportation sector, 0.84% lower overall energy usage, 8% reduction in per year emissions for the transportation sector, and a 0.51% reduction in overall emissions per year.

Did COVID-19 reduce local fuel demand in the Kingdom of Bahrain?

Did COVID-19 reduce local fuel demand in the Kingdom of Bahrain?

COVID-19 has led to severe disruptions in how society interacts in 2020 and onwards. With COVID-19 restrictions being placed in the earlier stages of the pandemic, the need for daily mobility towards work, education, and leisure centers had dwindled significantly. However, it is unknown to what extent the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions affected fuel demand in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This article aims to explore how the early-stage pandemic affected gasoline and diesel consumption in the Kingdom. Furthermore, we also extrapolate from the findings on the potential hypothetical benefits of transitioning to a “work at home” type of environment and whether this would have any significant economic effects that the Kingdom would reap.

The Curious Case of Men in the Labor Force

The Curious Case of Men in the Labor Force

This discussion paper looks at the latest employment data published by LMRA. In particular, we look at Bahraini employment ratios derived using working-age population estimates from IGA. We find that overall, Bahraini employment ratios have decreased in recent years, with a particular notice in a decline of male employment ratios.

,

Should the GCC Implement Nutrition Labeling at restaurants?

,
Should the GCC Implement Nutrition Labeling at restaurants?

Recent legislation passed by some governments worldwide requires mandatory nutrition labeling at all restaurants. The perceived benefits of nutrition labeling at restaurants are that consumers will have the ability to decide meals and dishes with more consumer information, thus potentially allowing those consumers to consume healthier foods, and potentially reduce caloric intake. The result from this may potentially allow for a reduction in obesity levels with healthier food choices by consumers, thus potentially reducing the overall impact of health costs on the economy and a positive effect on productivity levels. This article will look at the policy and see the potential impacts towards final consumers, restaurants, and the economy as a whole, and the benefits and costs associated with nutrition labeling. Last we shall look if other GCC Nations should follow the footsteps of other nations in Mandatory nutrition labeling.

,

How changes in Perception can save the Bahraini bus system

,
How changes in Perception can save the Bahraini bus system

Public transport might not be the most pressing or even the most interesting topic to talk about. However, what the public transport issue signifies is a clear revelation of how intrinsic attitudes can shape the decisions individuals take within the economy. These attitudes, more often than not, can also be rooted in mistaken assumptions, made by economic agents without any basis of fact or evidence. And instead of mainly delving into the complex analysis of whether incentives are properly aligning or investigating and analysing the different data-sets that economic agents have to offer us, perhaps it is only a simple matter of changing abstract concepts, like the perceptions or attitudes within people’s minds.

,

Analysing the Sin Tax

,
Analysing the Sin Tax

Smoking is considered one of the leading causes of preventable deaths globally. In Bahrain, smoking prevalence has increased in the last few years which is concerning for policymakers since smoking tobacco, especially cigarettes, has been highly correlated with many illnesses, including lung cancer.

This article aims to demonstrate the extent to which an excise tax can have on demand reduction.

,

Looking Back at Bahrain 2017

,
Looking Back at Bahrain 2017

“Bahrain’s 2017 so far can be described as healthy growth, but with some concerns about how future international markets may counteract the strong growth which the Kingdom has seen. The data which we have varies from Quarter two or Quarter three. Our primary source is the Economic Development Board quarter three report on Bahrain’s economic growth (unless otherwise stated).”