ABSTRACT
The economies of the Middle East have been able to draw on funding more readily than those of most other regions thanks largely to their abundant energy resources. These have benefited not only the oil and gas exporters, but also less resource rich countries, as there have been substantial money transfers to finance new investment. Banking has a long history in the region and funding for infrastructure is readily available. The financial system is well regulated with a wide range of services provided. Capital markets are less developed, but in the years ahead much of the focus is likely to be on equity and bond markets.
