Millennial Dreams in Oil Economies: Job Seeking and the Global Political Economy of Labour in Oman

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Crystal A. Ennis (Leiden University)

Millennial Dreams in Oil Economies

Name: Millennial Dreams in Oil Economies
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ISBN: 9781009499446

Job Seeking and the Global Political Economy of Labour in Oman

Crystal A. Ennis (Leiden University)

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English

Cambridge University Press
14 May 2026

Middle Eastern history; Labour economics; Energy industries & utilities

Series: The Global Middle East

This book shifts the analysis of economic development in Oman from the traditional focus on oil to the perspective of labour. Focusing on the experiences of workers, jobseekers, and the governance of labour markets, Crystal A. Ennis offers a fresh perspective on regional development and rentier neoliberalism in the Gulf. Highlighting Oman's position within global capitalism, Ennis makes a compelling case for de-exceptionalising the Gulf, arguing that the region's labour markets are global and subject to similar pressures as other global economies. Moving beyond oil also allows Ennis to focus on the social conditions of Oman, where over sixty four percent of the population are under the age of thirty. Ennis offers a rich analysis of historical lineages of labour governance, class formation; and, following protests after 2011 as youth unemployment soared in the region, how authoritarian states react to public pressure and social unrest around perceived economic decline.

By: Crystal A. Ennis (Leiden University)
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Weight: 527g
ISBN: 9781009499446
ISBN 10: 1009499440
Series: The Global Middle East
Pages: 362
Publication Date: 14 May 2026
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Preface; 1. Bringing citizen labour into IPE scholarship on the Gulf; 2. Making global labour markets and national dreams; 3. Rereading Omani work history and labour market governance; 4. Promising Dubai in Sohar: radical transformations and job creation from Sohar to Duqm; 5. Constructing belonging and contesting economic space; 6. Pursuing entrepreneurship for employment: SMEs for women and youth; Conclusion: studying the global political economy of labour; Bibliography.

Crystal A. Ennis is University Lecturer of Political Economy at Leiden University, the Netherlands. She is co-editor of The South Asia to Gulf Migration Governance Complex (2022) and has published in New Political Economy, Third World Quarterly, Global Social Policy, International Journal, Cambridge Review of International Affairs, among others. She is currently serving as an associate editor of the International Studies Review and president of the Association for Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies.

Reviews for Millennial Dreams in Oil Economies: Job Seeking and the Global Political Economy of Labour in Oman

'Millennial Dreams in Oil Economies presents a compelling challenge to scholars of Middle Eastern political economy, urging a deeper understanding of labour's role - alongside oil - in the Gulf's economic evolution. Crystal A. Ennis draws upon extensive research conducted in Oman, situating Gulf labour markets within a global political economy characterized by uneven development and the proliferation of low-paying, insecure employment, which perpetuates a highly stratified labour landscape.' Juanita Elias, University of Warwick 'As it addresses two important forms of marginalisation – of Oman within Middle East Studies scholarship, and of labour in the political economy of Gulf rentierism – Ennis' book both enriches our empirical knowledge and expands our research horizons, showing how Oman's labour market is shaped by its global entanglements. These are crucial to understanding both 'the rentier-neoliberal marriage' and the millennial aspirations of young Omanis Ennis details so successfully in this illuminating book.' Roberto Roccu, King's College London 'This book seamlessly weaves deep historical insight with a fascinating analysis of work, youth, and labour governance in Oman today. A highly original and much-needed account that carefully situates Oman's labour dynamics in the global political economy. Essential reading for anyone seeking to understand contemporary Omani society.' Adam Hanieh, University of Exeter