Qatar

Though many of the world's economies moved into recession in 2008, Qatar utilised its high energy income and massive fiscal reserves throughout the year to maintain growth and economic stability, while at the same time investing for future expansion.

The issue of food security has lately been making headlines in Qatar as the country considers its supply options for the future.

Qatar has taken a major step in expanding its maritime services industry, inking two key contracts as part of a multi-billion dollar port development whilst dismissing concerns that the crisis in the global economy could affect the project or its long-term viability.

Qatar's political and business leaders have been talking up the health of the country's economy, predicting a soft landing instead of a crash, though there are signs of a few bumps in the road ahead.

Qatar, along with Russia and Iran, has moved towards forming a permanent organisation of leading gas-producing nations, a step that could lead to the establishment of a grouping similar to the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), intended to give gas exporters greater control over the international market.

A recent report issued by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has found no evidence of terrorist groups receiving finance through Qatar and only minimal levels of money laundering, which comes as good news for the country's international standing and for its banking sector.