During the past five years, Lebanon has emerged as a prosperous investment arena for the hotels and tourism and business services sectors, writes Charlie Corbett.

Lebanon's banks are thriving and this is in no small part down to the actions of the country's much-admired central bank governor, Riad Salameh. He spoke to The Banker about how he plans to maintain the country's financial stability.

Although not unaffected by the global financial crisis, the Arab banking sector has continued to expand, with the UAE banks accounting for a growing proportion of asset growth. Writer Stephen Timewell

The chief executive of Ahli United Bank in Bahrain outlines the woes of the banking sector and explains why his bank has fared better than most. Writer Michael Imeson

The Gulf Co-operation Council countries have suffered as a result of the global economic downturn. Bank profits are down and there have even been some bank failures. But there is also plenty to be upbeat about, with some regions bucking the downward trend. Writer Michael Imeson

Richard Groves, managing director of Saudi British Bank (SABB)

Saudi Arabia's banks are reporting lower profits and higher loan-loss provisions, but business is still good, according to SABB's managing director. Writer Michael Imeson