Business opportunity and political risk in the Gulf and Middle East will come up for discussion at a key event in Bahrain next week.

Organised by the Bahrain-based Middle East office of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the conference at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa on September 7 and 8 will bring together a diverse range of policymakers, experts, business executives and political leaders.

Delegates will examine the Gulf's new economic horizons and models for development, energy and economic sustainability in the Middle East and the economic policy lessons of the Middle East since 2011, the IISS said in a statement.

“The Gulf is increasingly playing an influential role in the regional and global economy beyond its traditional role as an energy producer,” Transportation Minister and Economic Development Board acting chief executive Kamal Ahmed said.

“The economies of the GCC are now worth $1.6 trillion and continue to expand rapidly and play an important role in exporting capital and energy.

“This increased weight in international affairs means that events like this become more important,” he added.

Participants from across the globe will travel to Bahrain for the conference.

Key participants confirmed include National Bank of Kuwait Group former chief executive Ibrahim Dabdoub, McKinsey Middle East director Kito De Boer, KPMG, Bahrain and Qatar managing partner Jamal Fakhro, and Punj Lloyd chairman Atul Punj. - TradeArabia News Service