MENA | GCC aims to cushion virus damage; Saudi inflation

The current spread of Covid-19 in the region has yet to be brought under
control, leaving us cautious over the prospects for near-term recovery. Many
governments have tightened restrictions and limited gatherings during the
month of Ramadan, but the new daily case toll will probably stay high until late May.

What you will learn from this report:

• Progress in rolling out the Covid-19 vaccine has been mixed.
• The UAE, where infections have slid from January peaks and where the vaccination programme is among the most advanced, is mulling restrictions on those who choose not to have the vaccine.
• Saudi Arabia’s inflation slowed to 4.9% in March, continuing to ease after the tripling of VAT to 15% in July last year.