2020 sucks, but folks in the GCC are increasingly optimistic about prospects for a recovery: Although low oil prices and covid-19 have left the Middle East battered this year, optimism remains high for a recovery in the near future. This is the message relayed by some of the Gulf’s leading business figures in this Bloomberg special looking at the region’s prospects in the months ahead (watch runtime 24:06). Dubai Tourism chief Helal Al Marri told the news information service that he expects to “see the last quarter of the year much improved” while Emaar chairman Mohamed Alabbar says the firm will be in “good shape” by this time next year. Governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) Ahmed El Kholifey sees “light at the end of the tunnel but remains vigilant” until a full recovery is complete. The precise timing of the recovery varies but the messaging remains the same. One exception is Qatar Airways CEO Akbar El Baker, who warns that it may take two or three years before a sense of normalcy is restored to the aviation industry.