This book assesses the effectiveness of free trade agreements (FTAs) in unlocking international business opportunities in member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). It takes an institutional perspective in explaining the existence and effects of non-tariff barriers and how FTAs can address these barriers to attract foreign investors.

The Academy of International Business - Middle East North Africa (AIB-MENA) Chapter presents the second volume in its series of books, this volume celebrates AIB-MENA's second conference themed "Managing in Uncertain Times" in Dubai, UAE. The focus of this book is to shed light on the real business management problems that MENA-based organizations face. The cases presented document the context, challenges and opportunities of these problems. The cases, documenting government, private and SME organizations, will appeal to international business academics, MENA researchers, trainers and organizations that want to know more about similar scenarios.

Over the next decade, the economies of the Middle East will continue to be characterized by rapid growth, political turmoil, and increasing competitive intensity. International investors have the choice of either ignoring the region all together and bypassing business opportunities with great potential, or to make a careful assessment of which countries to enter and how to enter them successfully. This book is the first of its kind to include the information, insights and frameworks that are required to develop entry and growth strategies for the Middle East in the new turbulent environment following the global economic crisis and the Arab Spring.The first part of the book provides an in-depth analysis of the major developments that determine the business environment of different countries in the region, including a discussion of major social and economic developments, the impact of the rise multinational companies from the Middle East, and the role played by institutions and political risk. The second part deals with each of the major decisions that a company planning to grow in the region needs to make: Which countries to enter? What is the right entry mode and ownership structure? How to choose between a Greenfield operation and an acquisition? The book concludes valuable and practical advice on the process of setting up operations in the Middle East.