The Middle East

Domestic gas requirements are set to expand rapidly over the next few years as Oman’s industrial base expands and as the utilities sector grows to keep pace with rising demand for water and electricity. However, officials have said projected increases in gas production will be managed to ensure supplies can be guaranteed over the long term.

A flurry of new deals signed in the first quarter of 2014 are set to push up trade between Bahrain and India, while also paving the way for the Kingdom to continue expanding its health care sector and pharmaceuticals industry.

High levels of client confidence and strong economic growth are expected to drive banking sector expansion in Saudi Arabia this year and beyond, with lending activity projected to rise to match increasing demand from both consumers and businesses.

Institutes of higher learning in Oman are cooperating more closely with local businesses, as the Sultanate looks to boost employment opportunities for nationals in the private and public sectors.

The flow of foreign direct investment into Turkey picked up in the second half of 2013, and while the full-year figures were down, it appears external factors, rather than any cooling of the local economy, were the primary cause.

The authorities in Jordan are taking steps to reduce the current gap between the university classroom and workplace, while also opening the door to more foreign students.