The Middle East is not wholly comprised of Iraq. While geographically obvious, the economic consequences of this fact can be easily missed. Bahrain and Qatar, two Gulf states that might have been overwhelmed by the Iraq crisis, are in fact booming. Editor-in-chief Stephen Timewell visited both countries in May and filed reports headlined: “Bahrain’s roaring success” and “Qatar builds the dream”.
Stephen Timewell reports on how a major new financial centre, a strong regulatory environment and a plethora of projects are set to cement Bahrain’s reputation among its Gulf neighbours.Brimming with confidence after its successful Formula 1 grand prix in early April, Bahrain is ambitious to project its long-established role as the Gulf’s premier financial and banking hub and capitalise on the booming economies in the region.
Huge hydrocarbon reserves and modern infrastructure are creating a gold-rush mentality among bankers, with local banks’ profits rising and foreign institutions trying to get a look in. By Stephen Timewell in Doha.Qatar’s booming economy is proving to be a bonanza for banks. Well-established local institutions have boosted profits and new regional players are buying in to get a slice of the huge opportunities available. Despite events in Iraq, investors and bankers are seeing the massive potential offered by Qatar’s unique hydrocarbon reserves and the modern infrastructure put in place in recent years.