The Gulf’s sovereign wealth funds have grown in size and influence, adapting to market forces and taking advantage of the global financial crisis. But just how are they generating returns in the current economic climate?
Middle East
Latest articles from Qatar
Top 100 Arab banks ranking, 2013: Clean bill of health
October 1, 2013The Arab world has captured the wrong kind of attention in recent years as the Arab Spring uprisings and their aftermath have dominated global headlines. However, The Banker's Top 100 Arab Banks rankings show a banking industry that is well capitalised and well run.
Middle East banks continue to take small steps forward
July 1, 2013Slow but steady growth seems to be the order of the day for banks in the Middle East, with most countries in the region having something to cheer.
Qatar's banks stand strong
June 3, 2013Despite the rapid growth that Qatar – and its banking sector – has experienced in recent years, the country's government is not resting on its laurels and is actively looking to address issues such as an overcrowding of the market, overdependence on foreign funding and the economy’s lack of diversification.
Banks to watch in 2013, EFG Hermes
February 1, 2013The Banker has identified 13 banks to keep an eye on in the coming year based on a variety of factors. Following its 2012 merger with Qatari investment bank QInvest, Egypt-based EFG Hermes will be a bank to watch in 2013.
The struggle to find the right Islamic banking model
November 7, 2012The steady growth of sharia-compliant assets suggests banks believe in the future of the sector, but the dismantling of the largest cross-border Islamic window raises questions about whether global banking groups can make a success of the business.
The Gulf's three-way asset management traffic
October 1, 2012The financial centres of Bahrain, Dubai and Qatar dominate the Gulf's economic sphere and despite some major regulatory changes, the region as a whole is becoming more attractive to international asset managers in search of investable wealth.
Top Arab banks ranking, 2012
October 1, 2012Arab banks offset the turmoil of the Arab Spring and offered a robust performance in 2011 with impressive growth across the key financial indicators. And with minimal exposure to the eurozone crisis, the region's banks are expected to continue their recovery from the global financial crisis.
Qatar Central Bank moves closer to its goal
September 3, 2012With the same proactive approach that allowed the country to steer clear of the worst of the global economic crisis, Qatar's central bank is preparing the country's banks sector for regulatory pressures ahead, while ensuring they can meet the large-scale funding requirements that come with the country hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Qatar Exchange eyes global presence with five-year plan
June 1, 2012The Qatar exchange was the only bourse in the Middle East and north Africa region to record a positive price return in 2011 as the Arab Spring uprisings hit the country's financial markets. The exchange's CEO explains the factors behind its stability, and how its three-phase strategy will enhance its reputation.