The Middle East

Trade relations between the GCC and Asian economies have been growing steadily for some time now. Recent developments suggest, moreover, that they are set to expand further over the next decade. While there are some risks associated with Asian markets, the GCC as a bloc is deepening its commitment to the region. This is signalled by a number of...

In many respects, 2014 marked Dubai’s transition from strong recovery to promising growth, as the emirate entered a new development cycle fuelled by a booming real estate market and continually strong expansion within the tourism and retail sectors.

Following a difficult period for the international shipping market, in 2012 the container route from Shanghai to the Gulf through Dubai saw the second-highest rate of freight growth in the entire Asian region. This was part of an emerging trend of the maturation of GCC-Asia trade. A relationship that was once just based on energy demand is...

The bid by Dubai to become a global centre for Islamic products and services has progressed steadily in recent years, with the newly established Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre (DIEDC) now leading efforts to expand and diversify the emirate’s offerings. Ongoing development will be supported by a host of new initiatives unveiled in 2014 and 2015, with plans for...

Under Article 8 of Bahrain’s constitution, all nationals are guaranteed access to health care. A number of public hospitals and care facilities are available, and the kingdom is also home to several private medical establishments. Indeed, the authorities are looking to encourage the private sector to play a larger role in providing medical...

The health care services market has been growing in Bahrain, and is expected to reach $1.1bn by 2018. According to the Ministry of Health (MoH), the country also has untapped potential as a destination for health tourism within the region, and is therefore open to new investments that look to grow this sector while also addressing the needs of...