Growth in the Middle East is not just limited to its oil industry. Countries in the region are branching out to many different areas of the global market and Middle East related exchange traded funds (ETFs) may soon mirror the economic expansion that comes with diversification.
In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, fighter jets will be the focus at an upcoming airshow as Arab countries update their military might, reports Stefania Bianchi for The Wall Street Journal. According to consultancy Frost & Sullivan, defense spending in the Middle East could go above $100 billion by 2010, or 11% of global arms deals. Many leading arms companies believe the region is the up-and-coming place for defense spending.
Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. are both using defense deals to offset unemployment and diversify away from their predominantly oil-related economies.
The long-term goals of the Arabian Gulf region will be brought on by robust local economic fundamentals, strong political will, a resourceful business tourism profile, continued healthy regional demand and expanding air access, writes Mohamed Tamer for Global Arab Network.