The replacement of Saudi Arabia s heir in April ----, along with other major changes in the country s leadership, represent a further consolidation of King Salman s authority. That said, the elevation of the king s son as second in line to the throne is proving a controversial choice, and could spark future instability. ...The municipal polls conducted in Saudi Arabia in December ---- are of mostly symbolic importance, given the councils limited authority. That said, the election of several women marks a positive evolution in the country s slow and highly managed process of social reform, and we expect women to gain further ground in public life and the private arena over the coming years. While we maintain that large-scale protests are unlikely to occur in Saudi Arabia, large youth unemployment coupled with a lack of political liberties mean that tensions will continue to linger. ...That said, the election of several women marks a positive evolution in the country s slow and highly managed process of social reform, and we expect women to gain further ground in public life and the private arena over the coming years.
...Other leading indicators of economic activity also point to slowing momentum. Saudi Arabia s purchasing managers its weakest level since the survey began in ---- � with the pace of expansion in new business falling to a record low. Other leading indicators of economic activity also point to slowing momentum.
...Saudi Arabia s economic growth will slow considerably in ---- and ---- after six consecutive years of strong expansion. The corporate sector will face a much more challenging macroeconomic environment, amid contractions in public spending, rising energy costs, and tighten- ing liquidity. ...
