ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the data surrounding the recent developments in sovereign wealth funds (SWF) activities, with the aim of illuminating the motivations behind their international asset acquisitions. It argues that while SWF activities are certainly indicative of a domestic economic policy shift in the region, especially with respect to domestic economic diversification. The chapter focuses on the nature of SWF growth and investment dynamics, and outlines the extent that have Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies directed their savings away from dollar-based assets, as well as the nature of this diversification. It explores the Gulf SWF's broader pattern of international investment and looks at where current trends seem to be leading the GCC and their sovereign funds. The chapter also explores the broader global significance of Gulf Arab SWF investment dynamics. It explains the role of sovereign wealth funds in the GCC's international investment dynamics.
