I am an economist specializing in development, energy, and tourism economics, and an Associate Professor at the Department of Economics and Finance, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). Previously, I served as an Assistant Professor at the School of Economics, University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM).
My research focuses on empirically examining the interactions between economics, politics, and institutional structures, with particular attention to policy-relevant and interdisciplinary questions. My research agenda is organized around four core themes:
- The socio-economic and political determinants of international tourism
- The impact of tourism development on socio-economic outcomes
- Linkages between energy policy, energy use, economic outcomes, and environmental degradation
- The interaction between economic outcomes, institutional development, and institutional change
Through these research streams, I aim to contribute to evidence-based policy debates related to economic development, sustainability, and welfare improvement in developing and emerging economies.
My work has been cited over 1,800 times across international outlets and appears in top field journals such as Journal of Travel Research, Tourism Management, Energy Policy, and Energy Economics.
In addition to my research, I serve in editorial roles for international peer-reviewed journals, including as an Associate Editor of the Journal of Economic and Administrative Sciences, an Academic Editor at PLOS ONE, and an Editorial Board Member of the Journal of Travel Research.
All of my publications can be accessed on the Research page.
Teaching & Academic Service
At UAEU, I teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses in economics. Prior to this, at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, I taught multiple undergraduate courses and supervised undergraduate dissertations.
In addition to teaching, I contribute actively to academic service through participation in departmental and college-level committees, curriculum development and program review, and initiatives focused on enhancing teaching quality, assessment, and research culture. At UNM, I served as Research Director in the School of Economics, with responsibility for coordinating research output, fostering research collaboration, and supporting PhD education within the School.
Details of my teaching experience are available on the Teaching page.
Policy Engagement & Consulting
Beyond academia, I have worked closely with government institutions and international organizations. My recent engagements include collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi on projects assessing the economic impact of cultural activities.
I have also consulted for PwC Middle East and the World Bank, contributing to projects on infrastructure development, productivity, and institutional reform in Malaysia and Pakistan.
Further details are available on the Industry Collaboration page.
Education
I earned my PhD in Economics from Lund University, Sweden, in 2016. My doctoral research examined the dynamics of institutional change and the interaction between institutions and economic activity.
I also hold Master’s degrees in Economics from:
- Lund University, Sweden
- Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Pakistan
Contact & Profiles
I welcome research inquiries and collaboration and can be contacted via the Contact form.
You can also find me on:
Usman Khalid, PhD 