The seizure in the global financial markets, the recent fall in oil price and the economic slowdown in key trading partners are all beginning to have an effect on the GCC economies. Yet over the next decade or more, strong economic growth should be underpinned by GCC’s demographics and energy advantages and by a range of major investments that are already underway.

The GCC’s geographical location, and its cultivation of diplomatic and trade links with key Asian and African states, suggest that it is in a strong position to benefit from expected growth in the developing world and build stronger links with key economies.