The Impact of Low Oil Prices on the Middle East: 
Fiscal Crises, Corporate Transitions, and Geopolitical Standoffs
 
A discussion with:
Dr. Denise Natali
Senior Research Fellow, Institute for National Strategic Studies
National Defense University

Dr. Jean-Francois Seznec
Nonresident Senior Fellow, Global Energy Center
Atlantic Council

Jamie Webster
Senior Director, IHS Energy Downstream Research
IHS

Moderated by:
The Hon. David Goldwyn
Chairman, Energy Advisory Group
Atlantic Council

Welcome remarks by:
Annie Medaglia
Deputy Director of the Global Energy Center
Atlantic Council

Please join the Atlantic Council's Global Energy Center on Thursday, January 28 from 9:00 am – 10:30 am for a panel discussion on the impact of low oil prices in the Middle East. The collapse in crude oil prices since mid-2014 has shaken the foundation of global energy markets, with sweeping economic and political implications for the Middle East. Amidst falling oil revenues, governments from the Gulf to Iraq and beyond face fiscal crises, market upheaval, disruption of traditional ways of doing business, challenges to longstanding fuel subsidy programs, and slumping economic growth. In the midst of this volatile landscape, energy producers in the region face an uncertain future that will have ramifications in the years to come. The discussion will touch on the following questions and more:
 
  • How are low prices impacting the economic health of and internal political dynamics in Saudi Arabia? What is the future of Saudi Aramco?  
  • How are other major producing countries across the GCC, Iraq, Iran, and North Africa adapting and faring in today’s price environment?
  • Are fiscal constraints inducing major changes in government policies and/or driving macroeconomic and energy policy trends across the Middle East?
  • To what degree are low oil prices driving geopolitical calculations in the region?
We hope that you will be able to join us for this timely discussion. 

On Twitter? Follow @ACGlobalEnergy and use #ACenergy to join the conversation!

Atlantic Council
1030 15th Street NW, 12th Floor (West Tower Elevator) 
Washington, DC 

This event is open to press and on the record.

VISITING THE COUNCIL: Metro and parking info