The Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research organised an important seminar — on ‘Building the state in Arab countries of change’ — in Abu Dhabi last week. This was a nod to those Arab countries that witnessed huge economic and social devastation as a result of the events of the four past years. Their rebuilding requires big efforts and funds, but before that it requires peace and stability.

The World Bank has noted that rebuilding both Syria and Libya alone will require $270 billion (Dh993 billion). While not ruling out other factors, the economic aspect is of extreme importance to providing the basic requirements for the people of these countries.

Iraq, despite all the wealth it can call on, is still far from providing basic services for its people, despite the fact that change in that country took place more than 12 years ago. It also means that least affluent countries such as Syria and Tunisia will suffer doubly.

Unfortunately, the indicators do not look encouraging, for the real causes driving events such as corruption, unemployment and poverty have not only not declined but has in fact increased and prevailed as a sickness in these communities. Unemployment rates have accelerated and millions of people have joined the already high numbers of the poor, corruption has spread alarmingly and the sacrifices of many have gone down the drain.

Data in Tunisia, for example, point to the fact that the cost of corruption have risen from four years ago to 250 million euros (Dh1 billion) and constitute 2 per cent of GDP. In oil-rich Iraq and Libya, that amount seems modest, thanks to the size of the big cake created by oil revenues.

Forms of corruption are embodied in many ways. There is the loot of public money by those who are influential and who are hungry for wealth, especially among those who came from poor social groups.

Then there are the tax evasions, bribes and granting of job favours represent other forms of enterprise-wide corruption in these countries. So, these economies have not only returned to square one, but now represent the most entrenched forms of corruption among the countries of the world at large, as indicated by the ‘Transparency International Report’.

However there are still those who call these countries as being part of the ‘Arab Spring’. But it seems that the so-called spring is only taking place in the Arctic and not in the warm countries ...

Without finding solutions to these complex issues, any form of foreign aid — to lift the ordeal of countries devoured by the corrupt- will not reach those who deserve it. Moreover, these funds are unlikely to contribute to the creation of new employment opportunities and the redevelopment of the services sector.

The Gulf countries are among the top ranks of donor countries when it comes to helping others out of their dilemma.

They have also contributed sincerely in helping Egypt to overcome its ordeal by providing valuable assistance exceeding $40 billion. Moreover, they are carrying out yeoman service in restoring hope in Yemen. The UAE’s efforts are also outstanding in bringing back some services — such as the port and airport and electricity — to the capital Aden, in a short period of time and in an admirable manner.

One of the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research sessions dealt with the backing of reform and relief in the Arab countries of change. It was suggested to launch a sustainable international aid initiative in cooperation with multilateral organisations in coordination with GCC countries which have gained considerable experience in how to deal with the crises of the region.

The application of this proposal could be led by GCC countries and joined in by many parties such as the UN as well as its financing and development institutions.

There also needs to be a cease in the sabotage operations carried out by Iran as the prime supporter of corruption, whereby it smuggles weapons to terrorist organisations in these countries for disruption.

Only then can the Arab countries of change regain the development initiative and spare its citizens more woes. This needs years because of the scale of the destruction their economies are going through now.

Dr Mohammad Al Asoomi is a UAE economic expert and specialist in economic and social development in the UAE and the GCC countries.