The Ramallah area is surrounded by hilly farmland whose small patches for farming can be quite productive in the rainy season. The town is destined to be the major location of government ministries. Many are hopeful that it will blossom even more into the permanent commercial center as well. There are a number of colleges and technical schools in the area. Many of them are for refugees only and are run by the United Nations.
Higher education provides many jobs in the area.
Despite high expectations, until a means for shipping goods out of the West Bank to other countries is worked out, the economy will not grow if there is limited access to markets, which is the current situation. As in other areas of the West Bank unemployment is quite high. Currently, there is a building boom, which is providing jobs. When tills temporary phase passes the area will have to begin the task of job creation that is stable and at a level that prohibits poverty. There are a number of factories in the town's industrial area and a large number of shops, banks and insurance offices.