R E G I O N A L FOCUS Cultures of change Initiatives from Gulf State governments have triggered a broadening of the regions business focus beyond oil and commerce towards tourism, sports and other emerging sectors. Movers in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and UAE speak to Andrew Mourant about the opportunities this is giving them and how they are catering for this period of dynamic growth T he FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 brought Gulf States under the international spotlight. Qatar, as host nation, was the focal point, scrutinised from all angles: from its stadium infrastructure to its culture and values. But there was also increased interest in its neighbours, not least Saudi Arabia (SA), the regions largest country. For decades, its economy has been synonymous with oil and gas. Now, its hard to escape the massive drive SA is making towards transforming itself into a holiday hotspot. This is impacting on businesses of all kinds, not least the moving industry. 46 FF311 Sept-Nov 23 pp46-55 Regional Focus.indd 46 11/09/2023 15:59