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.

'Millennial Dreams in Oil Economies presents a compelling challenge to scholars of Middle Easternpolitical economy, urging a deeper understanding of labour's role - alongside oil - in the Gulf'seconomic evolution. Crystal A. Ennis draws upon extensive research conducted in Oman, situatingGulf labour markets within a global political economy characterized by uneven development and theproliferation of low-paying, insecure employment, which perpetuates a highly stratified labourlandscape.'

Juanita Elias - University of Warwick

'As it addresses two important forms of marginalisation – of Oman within Middle East Studiesscholarship, and of labour in the political economy of Gulf rentierism – Ennis’ book both enriches ourempirical knowledge and expands our research horizons, showing how Oman’s labour market isshaped by its global entanglements. These are crucial to understanding both ‘the rentier-neoliberalmarriage’ and the millennial aspirations of young Omanis Ennis details so successfully in thisilluminating book.'

Roberto Roccu - King’s College London