In the Black

Finance is big business in the Gulf. As Dubai and Abu Dhabi race with Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to be crowned the region's financial capital, bankers, brokers, asset managers and common investors are straining to find the best returns in a rapidly changing investment landscape.

The UAE and the other Gulf countries remain emerging markets, tiny in comparison to such titans as the US, the UK or Hong Kong. But ambitions run high here, and whether it's the fast-growing market for Islamic finance, the sharpened scrutiny of local regulators, the development of a healthy bond market or the entrance of large foreign institutions into the region, there is plenty to hope for – and much to discuss.

In the Black brings you the latest news, views and trends. Send your tips to intheblack@thenational.ae.