ABSTRACT
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has approached the same problem from the point of the competitiveness of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and regards education and innovation and leadership and governance as the two key areas the performance in which will decide the future landscape of competitiveness of the region. The WEF develops three scenarios which bring in the dimension of political stability and examines the impact on nine key determinants or pillars of competitiveness — institutions, infrastructure, macro economy, health and primary education, higher education and training, market efficiency, technological readiness, business sophistication, and innovation. These are Oasis, Sandstorm and the Fertile Gulf. Some reports in the media suggest that many petty shops and small establishments are perhaps being run by Keralites in the name of Saudi nationals. The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and the Embassy of India must act concertedly to put an end to such practices.
