While civil unrest in the Middle East and north Africa is making many businesses operating in the area decidedly twitchy, the CEO of Zain Group tells Barbara Njau that the telecommunications company's view that the region holds great long-term potential remains unshaken.

The economic crisis of 2008 and beyond made its presence felt across the property markets of the Gulf Co-operation Council, with some countries affected worse than others. Among the hardest hit was Dubai, but the emirate is showing strong signs of recovery.

The world's economic balance is shifting, and sovereign wealth funds are starting to cut their exposure to developed economies and head towards emerging markets. But facing challenges such as limited availability of 'free-float' equity, the move does not come without risk.