The Middle East

Backed by strong government support and operating in an economy that recorded some of the fastest growth in the world last year and is expected to expand by up to 18% in 2010, Qatar’s banking sector is poised to begin another period of accelerated growth.

Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector can look to the future with optimism thanks to a growth in hotel guests, a burgeoning meetings, incentive, convention and exhibitions (MICE) segment, new hotel inventory and third-party endorsements.

Thanks to a combination of steady management and timely state assistance, Qatar's Islamic finance sector has seen off the worst of the global economic crisis and is now well positioned to take full advantage of the predicted surge in growth this year.

Successful health care reforms, potential privatisation and growing patient demand make Abu Dhabi's health sector an attractive investment opportunity.

Though the Turkish economy slid into recession, in part due to the steep decline in overseas trade and a falling off in domestic demand, there was no financial collapse as occurred during the downturn of 2001, with the banking sector not only surviving but prospering and the stock market riding a wave of growing activity.

The year 2009 was a turbulent time for global business, with the UAE in particular facing some stiff challenges. To say that Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) sailed through the economic hurricane untouched would be false, but thanks to sound economic planning, 2009 was a year of stable progress for the emirate.