I am an economist working in international economics, development economics, political economy, 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
In recent years, my work has focused on economic sanctions and armed conflict, and on how they affect foreign direct investment, tourism, energy poverty, and the environment in the countries they target.
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 more than 2,100 times (Google Scholar, October 2026) and appears in top field journals such as Journal of Travel Research, Tourism Management, Energy Economics, Energy Policy, Economic Modelling, and The World Economy.
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 and Annals of Tourism Research: Empirical Insights.
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 UAEU, I chair the departmental Outcomes Assessment Committee and the college’s Teaching Effectiveness and Impact Committee, serve on the departmental Promotion and Faculty Appraisal Committee and the college team for AI integration, and am a Faculty Fellow of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. 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 consulting for the UAE Prime Minister’s Office on the redesign of its Government Accelerator Diploma and for Al Ain Municipality (both 2025), and 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:
