Héla Miniaoui
Associate Professor, Lusail University, Qatar
Dr. Héla Miniaoui serves as Associate Professor of Economics at both Lusail University and Sorbonne University Qatar. With deep expertise in Gulf and MENA economics, she brings a blend of academic scholarship and policy engagement to her work, having previously served as Technical Specialist at the United Nations, International Labour Organization. Her research portfolio spans economic development, international trade, finance, Islamic banking, and sustainability issues. Dr. Miniaoui has edited two significant volumes: Economic Development in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: From Rentier States to Diversified Economies (Springer, 2020) and Green Growth Opportunities & Sustainable Finance in the GCC Region: Strengthening the Response to Global Shocks (Springer, 2025). Her scholarship appears regularly in prominent academic journals. As a Research Fellow with the Economic Research Forum and member of the Middle East Economic Association, she plays an active role in shaping regional policy discussions around economic diversification, energy transition, and sustainable finance.
Areas of Interest:
- Economic Policies
- Economic Development
- Islamic Banking and Finance
- Financial Economics
Education:
- Ph.D., Economics, University of Tunis E lManar,Tunisia and University of Montreal, Canada, 2005
- M.A., Economics, Laval University, Quebec, Canada, 1998
- B.A., Economics, University of Sousse, College of Law, Economics and Political Science, Tunisia, 1994
Experience:
- Associate Professor, Lusail University, Qatar, August 2023 - Present
- Associate Professor of Economics, Qatar University, Gulf Studies Center, September 2016 – December 2020
- Associate Professor, University of Wollongong in Dubai, June 2014 - June 2016
- Academic Program Director of Bachelor of Commerce, Finance, UOWD, January 2014 - February 2015
- Assistant Professor, UOWD, January 2009 - May 2014
- Academic Program Director Bachelor of Commerce (Finance & Accountancy), UOWD, November 2010 - January 2012
Latest Publications:
- Miniaoui, H. "Climate Change in the Middle East and North Africa: Between the repercussions of a lived reality and opportunities for a brighter future", Policy Brief, Economic Research Forum, PB 109, April 2023
- Miniaoui, H. and Khayati A. "Socioeconomic Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on the GCC Countries: Threats and Opportunities", Chapter 4 in “Covid-19 and Risk Society across the MENA Region: Assessing Governance, Democracy and Inequality”, I.B. Tauris, Edited by Sadiki, L. and Saleh, L., 2022, pp. 72-94.
- Smaoui, H., Mimouni, K., Miniaoui, H., Temimi, A. “Funding Liquidity Risk and Bank Risk-Taking: Evidence from Conventional and Islamic Banks”, Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Vol. 64, December 2020.
Driving Sustainable Competitiveness in Selected MENAAP Countries: Synergies Between Financial Development and Green Growth
Areas of Interest: Economic Policies Economic Development Islamic Banking and Finance Financial Economics Education: Ph.D., Economics, University of... Read More
May, 2026
Conference PaperClimate Change in the Middle East and North Africa: Between the Repercussions of a Lived Reality and the Opportunities for a Brighter Future
Areas of Interest: Economic Policies Economic Development Islamic Banking and Finance Financial Economics Education: Ph.D., Economics, University of... Read More
April, 2023
Policy BriefsERF 32nd Annual Conference – Parallel Sessions on Financial Economics
Areas of Interest: Economic Policies Economic Development Islamic Banking and Finance Financial Economics Education: Ph.D., Economics, University of... Read More
Jun 14, 2026
Regional Policy Conference on: Clean Energy Transition in the Middle East and North Africa and the Role of Small, Medium and Micro Firms
Areas of Interest: Economic Policies Economic Development Islamic Banking and Finance Financial Economics Education: Ph.D., Economics, University of... Read More
Feb 04, 2025
GCC Economies in an Era of Energy Transition – Third ERF GCC Conference
Areas of Interest: Economic Policies Economic Development Islamic Banking and Finance Financial Economics Education: Ph.D., Economics, University of... Read More
Oct 30, 2023
