Central Bank of Kuwait's precaution pays off

Sheikh Salem Abdul Aziz Al-Sabah, central bank governor of Kuwait, tells The Banker about the next steps in the country's economic development plan and how a regional single currency can become a reality.

Kuwait development plan points to bright future

The unrest across the Arab world and the subsequent rise in oil prices have impacted upon Kuwait, but the tiny Gulf country seems well insulated from such issues, thanks in part to its government-approved $100bn development plan.

Mixed results for Kuwaiti banks

The past year has seen the performance of Kuwait's banks vary. All, however, are hoping that the government-approved $100bn development plan will help breathe new life into the sector.

Africa's debt markets attract international attention

Despite a sovereign default and the impact of rolling popular uprisings across north Africa, many are increasingly hopeful about the prospects for Africa's debt markets, as improving economic conditions and growing international appetite look set to underpin further new issuance.

Conventional banks face sharia restrictions in Qatar

Qatar's decision to ban conventional banks from operating sharia-based finance units within its financial jurisdiction has left observers concerned the central bank has set the wrong kind of precedent, one that is likely to create uncertainty in banking throughout the Middle East.

UAE back in business after Dubai World hangover

Rising oil prices and restructured debt deals have lifted the mood about the economic outlook for the United Arab Emirates. 

UAE banks: out of the woods and heading East

Hit hard by the credit and property bubbles that were at the epicentre of the global financial crisis, the United Arab Emirates' banks have since managed to shore up their stability and start to devise strategies for future growth. 

Private equity firms scramble over Africa's potential

A banking sector ripe for development, family businesses ready to go global and resource-rich nations with cash aplenty have meant private equity firms are buzzing over Africa's untapped potential.

M&A reshaping Middle Eastern economies

A frenzy of M&A activity in the Middle East in previously unexplored territories and sectors could see the region challenging China and India's emerging economic might. Writer Hafsa Kara

Bahrain Financial Exchange targets sharia business

Island kingdom Bahrain has opened a new Islamic exchange house and is launching innovative products to the market, such as an electronic trading platform, in an attempt to capture a bigger share of sharia-compliant assets. Writer Hafsa Kara