What You Need to Know About the Middle East, Oct. 20

The transcript discusses Saudi Arabia's payments to builders amid economic challenges, OPEC's proposed output cuts and the varied responses from different countries, the UAE's initiative to set up a federal tax body in preparation for VAT implementation, and Malaysian Airlines' plan to use A380 superjumbos for Hajj pilgrimages to ensure steady revenue.

What economic challenge led Saudi Arabia to delay payments to contractors?

• Rising unemployment

• Increased foreign investments

• Cheap oil and a widening deficit

• High inflation rates

Which country has shown interest in considering an output freeze or reduction as per the OPEC proposal?

• Russia

• Norway

• Mexico

• Iran

What is the UAE planning to introduce by 2018 to diversify its revenue base?

• Luxury tax

• Corporate tax

• Value-added tax

• Income tax

What type of officials is the UAE hiring for its new federal tax body?

• IT professionals

• Marketing specialists

• Compliance and enforcement officers

• Legal advisors

What is Malaysian Airlines' plan for its surplus A380 superjumbos?

• Use them for religious charter operations

• Sell them to private buyers

• Lease them to other airlines

• Convert them into cargo planes