The Middle East

With every GCC member state investing in transport, the region is currently undergoing something of a road and rail boom. In the first three quarters of 2013, about $30bn in rail construction contracts were awarded across the GCC, and while some estimates suggest as much as $200bn could be spent over the next five years on regional rail...

A major global oil producer, Kuwait has come a long way in recent decades to overcome several key financial and political challenges. The country is one of the most politically dynamic among the GCC, which has afforded it strong foundations to help tackle recent issues concerning parliamentary elections and accountability. By continuing with...

With public expenditure rising and a general improvement in international economic conditions in recent years, growth estimates across the region for the six GCC member states are expected to be in the 4-5% range, with the non-oil-and-gas economy also taking the lead, once again outstripping hydrocarbons in terms of the rate of expansion.

Saudi Arabia is a socially conservative country and interaction between unrelated men and women is prohibited. Businessmen should wait for a woman to offer her hand to shake in a meeting. In all other situations, keep a respectful distance. Handshakes between men are common. Saudis pride themselves on their hospitality and it is impolite to begin business without engaging in...

View contact details and general information for some of the leading hotels and resorts in Jeddah...

Since its formation in July 2004, the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has taken various measures to improve corporate governance and disclosure standards for Saudi Arabian public companies, which has also resulted in the improvement of such standards among private companies that may seek to be publicly listed in the future.