Dun & Bradstreet and National Commercial Bank (NCB) monitor business optimism in the GCC region using the Business Optimism Index (BOI). The quarterly survey randomly selects corporate companies from the D&B database and provides a leading indicator of economic activity.

A recently published report by SABB highlights the rising value but decreasing volume of trade between the major economies of the West and the Middle East. The Chief Economist at SABB points out that the US remains a major guarantor of Middle East security as well as being a key economic partner of the Saudi Ar

Saudi Arabia is aggressively seeking food supply diversification through asset acquisition in Africa and Asia. Savola Al Azizia United Co's Managing Director Mr. Sami Baroum acknowledged the support provided by Saudi Government to help expand food processing businesses beyond the national boundaries, reported Bloomberg in March 2009.

In Dec 2001, Enron filed for chapter 11 after a six month investigation led to the end of 'America’s most innovative Company' as rated by Fortune. After an in-depth investigation, revealed that Enron had been most innovative with its financial structure the firm's erstwhile auditors Arthur Anderson were dissolved. This really brought to the forefront the critical question: in this era of business and financial complexity, who can the investors really trust?