In two generations the Gulf States have gone from having the Middle East’s least educated population to having a younger generation whose educational achievements are approaching OECD standards.

This comprehensive and intelligent study charts the trajectory of higher education development in the Gulf States, placing the many accomplishments within the remarkable social, economic, and political context of this often misunderstood region.

Christopher Davidson lectures in Middle Eastern politics at the Institute for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at Durham University.

Peter Mackenzie Smith worked for the British Council and was director of education for GEC and Marconi.