Overall, there is a propensity of less positive sentiment toward the present situation across the region.
Only 26 percent of the respondents to the Consumer Confidence Index survey believed that their personal financial situation is better now than it was this time last year, and only 25 percent feel optimistic about the current economy of their country.
This is not considered to be a good time for business (according to 37 percent), with 43 percent stating that now is a “bad time” to buy consumer durables. In terms of employment, almost half of respondents (49 percent) claim that there are 'very few jobs' available, yet of those who are currently employed, 26 percent state that their company has more employees than at the same time last year. At 66 percent, the majority believes that their salaries have not kept pace with the cost of living.
There is definitely hope for a more positive future however, as 52 percent of MENA respondents believe that their personal finances will become better in a year's time, and all countries expect that business conditions will improve. Inflation continues to generate a negative outlook across the board, with the cost of real estate being badly looked upon in all countries. Only 23 percent of respondents are optimistic about the future growth of their companies in terms of employees, with all countries sharing a neutral opinion about their companies being able to keep up with staffing demands.
In general, there is little interest in purchasing a vehicle or property, however those who are planning or considering a large purchase will buy new. There is more interest in purchasing laptops and desktop computers than in any other major purchases, followed by furniture.
"The appraisal of the current situation is subdued across the board, in terms of economy, commerce and employment. This sentiment is echoed in most countries, however there is a considerably more positive outlook for the near future as people look forward to improved conditions all around," said Suhail Masri, VP sales at Bayt.com.
"Bayt.com provides more than just an online portal for job-seeking convenience; we deliver substantial data regarding the region's most important issues, giving employers and job-seekers alike an appraisal of the current situation and future expectations."
"Given the current climate in the Middle East and, to an extent, globally, it is to be expected that sentiments for the present are low and that there is hope for a more positive future. The MENA region presents a mostly unified front in terms of opinions and aspirations, with an especially positive outlook for future financial and commercial conditions," said Sundip Chahal, CEO at YouGov.
KSA respondents mostly feel that their personal financial situation is slightly better, when compared to the same time last year; 33 percent believe their situation is the same, 25 percent think their situation is worse, and 36 percent say things are better. A similar balance is true with regards to the opinion of the country's economy — 29 percent believe that it is the same as last year, 28 percent believe that it is worse, and 32 percent believe that it has improved.
Sentiment is somewhat positive in terms of business; 41 percent believe that this is a “good time” for business conditions, though 37 percent believe that this is a “neutral time to buy” goods and only 19 percent think it is a good time to do so.
Employment conditions are considered to be favorable, with 33 percent claiming that there are plenty of jobs available; 43 percent of respondents say that their company has more employees now than it did this time last year. Salaries are considered not to have kept up with the cost of living, according to a massive 59 percent.
As ever, there is considerable optimism for the future in the Kingdom, with 58 percent believe their personal financial situation will be better in a year's time, while 54 percent hold hope that the country's economy will also have improved. Business and employment conditions are expected to become more favorable by 56 percent and 43 percent of respondents, respectively. Despite this, only 30 percent are optimistic that their companies will grow in terms of number of employees, with 40 percent remaining neutral with regards to meeting staffing requirements. Satisfaction with career prospects, growth and job security remains neutral to negative; only 19 percent favor their prospects in the coming year, only 23 percent believe there will be the opportunity for career growth, and only 30 percent are confident in the security of their job. A 47 percent majority are dissatisfied with their current compensation.
Inflation will continue to have a negative impact upon the cost of living according to 35 percent and the cost of property for rental or purchase is still creating a feeling of negativity, according to 39 percent of respondents.
Only 33 percent of respondents are considering buying a vehicle in the coming year, with just 28 percent looking to buy property. Of these, the majority will buy new. The most desirable major purchase is a laptop or desktop computer, followed by furniture.
Data for the quarterly Bayt.com Consumer Confidence Index survey - March 2012 was collected online from Jan. 30-Feb. 14, 2012, with 9,324 respondents aged over 18 years, covering GCC Arab, North African, Levant, Western expatriates and Asian nationalities. Countries who participated are Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Pakistan.
