A copious literature on resource curse correlates oil rents with poor economic outcomes in resource-rich economies. The common yardstick for evaluating economic performance in these countries is generally GDP growth rates. This paper focuses on the broader question of whether the experience of oil-exporters in MENA region has been conducive to inclusive growth both over time and in a comparative context. To find out if these countries have been successful in turning their hydrocarbon wealth for the wider benefit of their population, we compute a novel Inclusive Growth Index and associated rankings for 153 countries. The results show a marked deterioration in the case of MENA's oil-exporting countries over the period 2001-2015 and 2006-2010 particularly marred by a poor record in job creation especially for their young population.
Inclusive growth, oil-exporting countries, MENA economies, growth and equity, OPEC.