Gulf states run the risk of duplicating strategies

* username: rupertbu

What is the best business to be in in the Gulf? “Artists’ impressions,” quipped an analyst as we discussed the pros and cons of the region’s swathe of mega-projects.

With an eye on the future, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Qatar have developed their 2030 visions, all intended to diversify economies and create jobs for growing, young populations. Kuwait, which lags the pack, has gone for 2035, while Saudi Arabia has its economic cities and a five-year $400bn infrastructure plan.

And where there is a mega-project, there is the artist’s impression of what the future holds – sketches of towering office blocks, villas, marinas and ports. Often, the images are accompanied by statistics highlighting the benefits the developments are intended to bring.