The instability caused by oil dependency within the banking systems of the Gulf countries: the case of KSA and Qatar

For the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), developmental pathways and future economic opportunities are inherently tied to either the stabilisation and perpetuation of the oil markets or the diversification and development of new capabilities and resource streams. In spite of such pressures and the past decade of constrained growth and development, political forces continue to affect the capacity for private enterprise and business start-ups to gain a strong and sustainable foothold within this national economy. Additional research is essential to the identification and evaluation of strategic pathways and support systems that can be applied to the KSA resource problem in order to improve the opportunity for long-term, sustainable development. The primary aim of this research is to critically assess the risks and vulnerabilities to commercial banking stability in the KSA by comparing the structural, institutional, and governmental effects and influences on lending and profitability outcomes across the Saudi Arabian and Qatari financial sectors. This research aim focuses on addressing both internal and external forces that are influencing the commercial banking industry and its capacity to perform. In addition, this research aim focuses on the accomplishments and progress that have been made in another resource-dependent nation, Qatar. The research combines primary (qualitative and quantitative research) with secondary data research. The outcome of the research is that Qatar is a country which has taken several steps towards liberating its market and shifting away from dependence on oil. It has developed services in various markets including financial services, tourism, education, and events. In contrast, KSA remains dependent on oil, meaning that its banking system and its institution are vulnerable to shock effects, especially to changes in the price of oil. For this reason, KSA needs a set of changes and reforms so as to open its economy