The report highlights the growing appeal of Islamic finance for Western investors seeking a safe haven from the current financial storms. The traditional values of Islamic finance, such as its strict ethical principles and strong performance, are making it a potential alternative to conventional finance. The credit crisis has given Islamic finance a chance to shine, and some Middle East and North Africa (MENA) capital markets are ready to profit from the global downturn. Despite the shrinking of the Islamic finance market and exposure to risk through real estate, MENA markets remain attractive for Western investors. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets are expected to recover in the second half of 2009 due to their enormous liquidity reserves. Other recent developments, such as governments' investment in education and regulatory consolidation, have also increased the region's appeal. Western financial institutions should focus on the markets and countries in the Middle East and North Africa if they want to take advantage of these opportunities.
