Global Arab finance comes of age

Surplus cash from Middle East energy producing countries has been running around the world for over three decades, seeking better returns in offshore havens. However, since the 1970s, investments by Arab states have had the potential to alarm destination countries. An important example of this came after the Kuwaitis acquired about 20% of British Petroleum in 1988 and the UK forced them to reduce the holding by over half, amid concerns about OPEC member influence on one of the world’s giant oil companies. More recently, Dubai Ports World (DPW) faced the American Congress’ opposition to acquisition of US ports; the controversy started in early 2006 with some Americans arguing that no Arab government should own such strategic assets. Later that year, DPW pulled out and sold its US port operations to an American group. The DPW controversy reinforced fears that investments in the West had become politically risky for Arabs.