According to Al-Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper (June 23, 2006), an official report issued by the World Bank estimates the Gulf States to record an average real economic growth rate of 7.4% and 7.3% in 2006 and 2007 respectively. For instance, the State of Qatar is projected to record an average real economic growth rate of 7.3% in 2006. Bahrain is to post an average real economic growth rate of 5.3% in 2006.
