(from the rear cover) - This study focuses on the two critical long-term problems facing the major Arab oil producers- the heavy dependence on both exports of oil and imports of foreign labor. In arguing the need for planned action, Dr. Al-Sabah attempts to achieve two related objectives. Firstly, to propose a framework for development planning in an oil economy based on the need to achieve a balanced economic base and a balanced labor force. Secondly, to provide an in-depth statistical analysis of the female worker's 'commitment to work' using a questionnaire survey approach, as the basis of a policy to induce more females to enter the labor market. This analysis is applied specifically to the case of Kuwait, and is pursued against a theoretical background to development economics and its relevance to Arab oil producers. As a rigorous analysis of Kuwait's development potential, Dr. Al-Sabah's book constitutes an important contribution to the study of oil-producing developing countries. Dr. Al-Sabah graduated in economics at Cairo University and obtained her Ph.D. in development planning at Surrey UNiversity, England. She has lectured in Cairo, Kuwait, and Europe.
