With a reputed $200bn under management, the Kuwait Investment Authority has been moving away from its traditional reliance on blue-chip stocks, but will its new enthusiasm for active investment pay off?

Oil companies are looking to Kuwait's government for signs that the country's major energy projects are to get under way, but legislative deadlock is hampering their 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.

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.

Tension between Kuwait's ruling government and elected parliament are hampering policy formation and intensifying uncertainty as the economy gets back on its feet. Will the new parliament elected last month change the situation? Writer Stephen Timewell