After dramatic action from the central bank, an $8bn IMF loan and a $35bn development deal, Cairo aims to bounce back in the new year, but faces both familiar and new problems first

Another deficit is likely, but it will be in line with EU standards, say Saudi ministers keen to keep investing in the Kingdom's economic diversification away from oil and towards Vision 2030

Lots to shout about, say the government. Not enough for the ordinary Moroccan, say the opposition. Let's wait and see what happens on the world markets, say the economists

Damascus has artificially lowered prices for years, but Syrians today cannot afford basics like fuel without them, meaning its budget has become a delicate balancing act

Streamlining the public sector, enhancing the role of the private sector, and reviewing financial policies away from sovereign funds are just some of the reforms needed. Time is running out.

Kuwait needs to shrink its public sector and use privatisation to cut its dependence on oil revenue. Reform will only become more difficult as the world moves to alternative energy.