The fifty-ninth edition of the Arab Economic Bulletin includes five pivotal studies in Arabic and a sixth study in English.

It addresses issues that are pivotal to Arab development in light of the historical transformations that the Arab region is going through and the challenges it faces on the path to reform and enhancing economic efficiency. This allows the Arab economy to join the ranks of developing countries that have created an influential position for themselves in the global economy.

The first study is titled: “Digitization” in Arab Countries... Positive Impact and Reality?!, and deals with the reality of digital transformation in Arab countries, as “digitization” is an urgent economic necessity in light of the need to diversify Arab economies to mitigate their impact on shocks in global oil markets. To enhance productivity and competitiveness by focusing on economic sectors that can benefit from the rapid technical development in all Arab countries. This generally increases the levels of flexibility of these economies and their ability to achieve a qualitative and accelerated shift in economic performance so that it contributes to providing more jobs for the growing young generations that join the labor market annually.

The second study, entitled: “Impacts of Global Inflation in the Arab Region and Requirements for Confrontation,” deals with analyzing the impact of global inflation on the Arab region and identifying the sectors most affected and the effective policies and measures that can be taken to confront these challenges. The research is based on data and analysis of the economies of Arab countries and recent global economic developments. By better understanding the potential repercussions of global inflation and the requirements for confrontation, this study will contribute to guiding policies and making relevant economic decisions in the Arab region. The study constitutes a strong starting point for future research in this vital field that is important for achieving economic and social stability in the Arab region.

The third study was entitled: “Revitalizing the Arab Economy and Reviving the Business Environment and the Arab Common Market... A Road Map for Innovation, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation.” This study revolves around analyzing the current situation of the Arab economy and presenting a comprehensive road map to enhance innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation in the Arab Region in order to revive the environment. Business and the Arab Common Market. To achieve this, we will explore various sectors and industries, identify challenges and opportunities, and propose strategic recommendations to policymakers and stakeholders to drive Arab economic growth and prosperity in the long term.

The fourth study, title is: “Towards a Strategy to Activate Joint Arab Economic Action in Light of Arab Developments,” it sheds light on the importance of activating joint Arab economic action, especially in light of the developments that the world has witnessed since 2020, as the global economy stands amid new crises. He is still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic and its harsh repercussions. The war in Ukraine has put pressure on a global economic system exhausted by financial crises, trade wars, and climate change. It was sparked by a series of overlapping and worsening crises that imposed more challenges on global supply chains, leading to slow growth and rising prices of basic commodities and foodstuffs, threatening a global food crisis. Not to mention the existing and escalating challenges of climate change, which has become an existential issue, and the financial difficulties on the planet, countries, and businesses alike.

The fifth study is titled: “The Greater Arab Free Trade Area and the Future of Arab Economic Integration.” This study deals with the developments and developments taking place in terms of what the Greater Arab Free Trade Area has reached, leading to the Customs Union, especially in light of the importance of liberalizing trade in services between Arab countries. The issues of Arab economic integration should be dealt with in isolation from political issues, which sometimes prevent reaching consensus in trade negotiations, as they sometimes dominated joint Arab economic action and obstructed its progress.

While the sixth study was in English and is titled: “ChatGPT and its Impact on the Arab Economy.” This study examines the major transformations that artificial intelligence has brought about in various sectors: from education and health care to public transportation, business, entertainment, and others.

The study also sheds light on the Arab world’s significant tendency in recent years to support the process of artificial intelligence, in steps supported by official procedures and decisions that may change technology in the region in the near future. Especially in light of the Arab countries, especially the Gulf countries, rushing to adopt the latest technologies, institutions, standards, and plans to localize and use artificial intelligence, which was reflected positively on their ranking in global indicators, especially those related to technology and digital transformation.

We hope that this issue, its contents, and the messages it contains will receive the attention it deserves.