Middle East Banking and Finance April 9 2001 The performance of Middle East banks in the past year has been underpinned by the steep rise in oil prices in a region that accounts for more than half of world oil reserves. With current account sur-pluses in Gulf countries reaching a phenomenal Dollars 68bn, compared with a deficit two years ago, Gulf banks have been reporting higher 2000 profits, estimated by analysts to average 8 per cent more than a year earlier. Outside the Gulf, however, banks have been less fortunate. Overview - Oil proves to be blessing and curse Banking - Retail banking - Online banking Markets - Arab Capital markets - Saudi stock market Regional overview - Lebanon - Saudi Arabia - Gulf Islamic banking - Islamic banking Related Surveys - Middle East Banking and Finance 2000 - Middle East Banking and Finance 1999 - Bahrain 2000 - Dubai 2000 - Jordan 2000 - United Arab Emirates 1999