Scholars, academics, experts, and students of Middle East economics from around the world are invited to submit research abstracts of papers to be presented at the conference, entitled The Impact of Oil Prices on the Economic Growth and Development in the MENA countries. Abstracts are accepted in English, Arabic and French however authors will be required to write and present their final papers in English. Arabic simultaneous translation will be made available throughout the duration of the conference.
Participants interested in applying can do so at the following link: www.dohainstitute.edu.qa/MEEA2016
For enquires regarding the conference, please contact the conference committee: meea2016@dohainstitute.edu.qa
Conference Theme
Strong volatilities in oil prices have considerable impacts on the macroeconomy of both developed and developing countries, depending on the extent and strength of the oil price-economic growth nexus of the country. Those changes affect economic growth through affecting costs of production, consumer spending, and exchange rates that in turn affect international trade.
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is particularly sensitive to those changes in oil prices because some member countries are major oil producers and exporters, while others are dependent on petroleum as consumers but they still may benefit from the petrodollars saved by the major exporters, whether in terms of remittances, foreign aid or foreign direct investment.
Research has shown that oil price shocks are asymmetric in their impacts, in the sense that positive and negative shocks in oil prices of equal size may have differential impacts on a given country’s economic growth. This finding requires different economic responses from policy makers.
Conference organizers are currently accepting abstracts on topics related to the conference theme:
- What is the impact of oil shocks on economic growth in the MENA region?Is the impact of oil price on economic development symmetric or asymmetric?
- How does economic development react to oil prices under different market conditions?
- What are the current and future states of the oil shale industry?
- What is the impact of oil shale production on oil prices?
- Is there a relationship between rig count and oil production and prices?
- What is the impact of oil price drops on MENA`s financial markets and exchange rates?
- What is the impact of oil price plunge on MENA`s terms of trade?
- How does the oil price drop affect commodity markets?
- How can monetary and fiscal policies in oil exporting countries mitigate the impact of the drastic drop in oil prices in the oil-exporting countries?
However, scientific studies related to other topics such as labor, money and banking, trade, and environment concerning the MENA region are also encouraged. The conference welcomes submissions related, but not limited, to the primary theme.
Travel Grants for Young Scholars
The MEEA and DI are also announcing over 20 travel grants to be awarded to assist young scholars to attend the 15th International conference in Doha. In order to be eligible for a travel grant at the time of application, the author should be either a doctoral student or a young scholar who obtained his/her PhD in the past three years. Priority is given to scholars who have not previously participated in a MEEA conference. Those applying for a travel grant will need to submit an extended abstract of five pages or a complete paper; a two-page resume and a completed Travel Grant Form through the conference website.
Deadlines and Selection Process
- Participants will be selected based on evaluation of abstracts of 200-350 words.
- Deadline for submission of abstracts is October 15, 2015.
- Selected authors will be notified by November 10, 2015.
- Final papers are due February 10, 2016.
- Individuals who have not submitted final papers by the deadline will not be included in the final program.
- Final acceptance of papers will be by February 20, 2016.