The Middle East

While Abu Dhabi is introducing a series of green initiatives, like other rapidly developing cities it faces challenges in reducing its carbon footprint over the short term.

Sharjah is positioning itself as a safe, family-friendly option for holidaymakers, with a selection of attractions and events the authorities hope will make it stand out from the crowd.

Qatar is ratcheting up its campaign to host the 2022 World Cup as the race nears an end. With a decision due on December 2, boosts have come in the shape of a successful staging of a friendly match between South American footballing giants, praise for the emirate’s green credentials and vocal support from none other than Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The recent Abu Dhabi Formula One (F1) Grand Prix helped the emirate’s policymakers achieve objectives both on a strategic and touristic level, but the government is eager to achieve even loftier tourism goals in 2011.

Recent reports from the IMF and Qatari authorities confirm that Qatar is on track to be the fastest-growing economy in the Middle East, and may be among the fastest in the world.

While this year has seen several stories in the Western media about Turkey's "turn east", the country’s efforts to maintain positive trade relations with Iran despite recent sanctions on its nuclear programme are likely more pragmatic than political.