BRAND BUILDERS

KUWAIT

Constitutional emirate ruled by Sheikh Sabah Al Sabah

Capital: Kuwait City

One of the region's most democratic states

3.4 inhabitants

1,087,000- Citizens while the remaining 2,354,261 expatriates.

68.4% of foreigners

GDP: US$158 billion

Real growth: 4.8%

GDP per capita: US$46,470

Strong economy, heavily oil reliant. Recent will to diversify through ambitious real estate, tourism and business projects.

Business environment boosted by the fall of Saddam Hussein in Iraq.

Recent surge in retail developments. Retail surface expected to almost triple by 2010.