ABSTRACT
Since the Second World War, the Middle East in general has enjoyed a period of unprecedented economic growth. While in most of the countries social development has paralleled growth, the discrepancy between the rich and the poor has generally increased. Apart from the phenomenal growth of the oil industry, economic advances can be attributed to the large amounts of foreign aid received in the region. The result has been the rapid development of infrastructures and the enhancement of human resources. While the economic transformation has been felt throughout the region, the rate and pattern of progress varies considerably from one country to another. Furthermore, the political structure varies throughout the Middle East and this has greatly influenced the direction of economic development pursued.
