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Brunei's real estate sector appears to be little affected by the global recession, with transaction levels remaining stable and prices relatively flat, though it is unlikely the property market will experience strong growth in the short term due to a number of issues limiting investment activity.

Qatar is pushing ahead with a series of large-scale transport infrastructure projects aimed at improving the emirate’s links and boosting the economy, though unlike many other countries these schemes are not part of a package to restart growth stalled by the global recession but are components of a broader vision for the nation’s future.

Having been an early proponent of the need to develop a diverse economic base, Sharjah is now reaping the benefits by placing itself in a good position to ride out the international recession.

Despite weakening global demand for plastics and polymers, Abu Dhabi's chemical investment, which is seen as a key part of the emirate's future economy, remains well placed to become a sustainable growth platform for future economic expansion and diversification.

Recent plans announced by the US to crack down on its citizens making use of tax havens have raised concerns over the long-term viability of offshore financial services. This in addition to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) including the Bahamas on its list of countries that were not as yet in full compliance with the body's standards on fiscal transparency. However, a careful look at Washington's proposals and at measures being taken by the government should allay at least some of these concerns, with the possibility that the situation could even be turned to the Bahamas' benefit.

Malaysia's real estate industry could be a major beneficiary of the recent reforms to the services and financial sectors announced recently by the government, which are expected to attract higher levels of overseas investment and increase the options for developers looking for project financing.