Reviewers

Policy Related to Reviewers-Gulf Journal of Economics and Trade

Reviewer Eligibility Criteria

Reviewers must demonstrate recognized expertise in economics, trade, business, or closely related social science disciplines, including but not limited to macroeconomics, microeconomics, international trade, development economics, finance, econometrics, economic policy, trade law, or applied business and market studies. Eligibility requirements include:

  • Authorship of peer-reviewed research with clear scholarly, empirical, or policy impact in economics, trade, or related fields.

  • Demonstrated ability to critically evaluate theoretical frameworks, economic models, econometric and statistical analyses, data sources, and policy interpretations.

  • Active engagement in academic research, economic policy analysis, trade practice, market research, or professional economic advisory roles.

  • Full independence from the submitting authors, with no academic, professional, or financial conflicts of interest.

Reviewer Selection and Appointment Process

Reviewer selection is selective, competitive, and strictly merit-based. Editors identify and assess reviewers based on subject-matter expertise, research output, methodological competence, and relevance to the manuscript topic.

  • Reviewer appointments are made exclusively through direct editorial invitation.

  • There are no open calls, self-nominations, or standing reviewer pools.

  • Each appointment applies to a specific manuscript and a defined review period.

Reviewer Roles and Evaluation Responsibilities

Reviewers provide objective, rigorous, and constructive evaluations of submitted manuscripts. Their responsibilities include:

  • Assessing the originality, theoretical contribution, empirical rigor, and policy or market relevance of economic and trade research.

  • Evaluating the appropriateness and correctness of economic models, econometric methods, data selection, robustness checks, and interpretation of results.

  • Reviewing methodological transparency, limitations, and alignment with ethical research and data-use standards.

  • Providing clear, structured, and evidence-based feedback to support editorial decisions regarding acceptance, revision, or rejection.

Ethical Standards and Verification

Reviewers are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic and professional ethics, including:

  • Strict confidentiality throughout the peer-review process.

  • Full disclosure of any actual or potential conflicts of interest.

  • Adherence to established peer-review, research integrity, and publication ethics guidelines.

  • Formal documentation of reviewer appointments and completed reviews.

  • Issuance of official certificates and invitation letters reflecting verified and completed reviewer service.