Al Ela, Mahmoud Taha Abu. Bahath fi 'iimkaniaat altanmiat alaiqtisadiat fi almamlakat alearabiat alsaeudia [Research into the Possibilities of Economic Development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia].

€ 950.00

Thorough paper on Saudi Arabia's non-oil-based economy, its regional diversity, cultural aspects, and challenges posed by the oil boom, packed with suggestions and solutions. Based on a 1962 lecture given at the University of Riyadh, featuring data up to 1961 and references up to 1962.

The paper briefly discusses the development of the oil industry and its benefits for health, education, transport and urbanisation, but notes that over-dependence on oil has weakened the rest of the economy. The main section addresses the non-oil sectors, explaining how equipment and irrigation are improving agriculture by increasing cultivable land, the chances of employment away from the oil sector, and living standards. While increased demand for imports has created a wealthy merchant class, it is undermining local industry (examples are given for dates, pasta, cement, and agricultural products). Based on numbers alone, Saudi Arabia should be a net exporter of livestock, but this is not the case. Fishing under-performs in spite of long coastlines and a wealth of marine life, reflected in poor performance by the Saudi Fishing Company due to primitive methods, lack of manpower and investment, preservation facilities, etc. The author analyses population and its engagement in different sectors, contrasting urban and rural areas and nomads. Closing sections draw out solutions, relating to modernisation, infrastructure, skills, and finance. With respect to the Bedouins, he calls for their settlement to increase the number of agricultural workers and productivity of herding, and describes what Bedouin settlements should look like. Maps show transport links, geology, and mineral wealth.

In excellent condition.