by Sarah Mishkin, Financial Times, UK - Even with political turmoil and economic crises in parts of the Middle East and north Africa, the oil-rich Gulf is booming, as oil prices rise, memories of the financial crisis fade, and tourists flock to the stability and beaches of Dubai.

Consumer confidence in Saudi Arabia is now the second-highest worldwide, having jumped 11 points in the first three months of the year, according to data from Nielsen, the market research company.