Dubai’s healthy economy embodies a radically different financial model that Europe and the US might do well to learn from. Even its lucrative oil interests are being left behind. Writer Stephen Timewell.

Often overlooked by investors attracted to flashier plays, Oman has excellent prospects ­for those willing to make the effort. Writer Jon Marks.

In an increasingly competitive Gulf environment, the need for credible but user-friendly regulation is paramount. Writer Paul Melly.

The UAE’s banks’ profits based on lending are huge but with customer deposit levels lagging and international borrowing increasingly difficult, many are looking towards expansion opportunities abroad. Writer Mark Ford.

Encouraged by the IMF, Gulf investors are preparing guidelines that should foster greater openness about their thinking. But the culture of discretion remains strong. Writer Paul Melly.

Healthy oil revenues mean the Gulf Co-operation Council countries are enjoying an ongoing boom and even concerns over inflation cannot shake the optimism surrounding the region. Writer Stephen Timewell.

Sheikh Salem Abdulaziz Al-Sabah, governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait, discusses the latest financial developments in Kuwait with Stephen Timewell.

Kuwait’s booming economy is heavily oil dependent, but banks are beginning to look outside the country to strengthen operations and diversify their offer, Stephen Timewell reports from Kuwait.

Targeted intervention, such as that imposed on borrowing limits by Kuwait, could work in other problem areas of banking.

Legislation for a new unified regulatory authority is expected to be passed before the year’s end and the Qatar Financial Centre is working to bring in more new players, writes Nadine Marroushi.