It’s almost the end of 2009, and what a year it’s been.
First the global credit crunch hit the region , taking a chunk off real estate prices and forcing companies to cut back across the board. Then more recently, Dubai’s financial situation became the topic of conversation across the world, with news in November that Dubai World sought to restructure about $22bn of debt.
However, it’s not been all doom and gloom. We saw the opening of the Dubai Metro on September 9, which is going from strength-to-strength, attracting more and more passengers each month.
Then there was the hugely successful Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix , which received much praise and attention globally and is set to return as the venue for the final race of the F1 season in 2010.
Arabian Business also had a few firsts when we took a look at the wealth of the region's movers and shakers with our first ever rich lists for Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and GCC expats.
And finally, never been seen before footage of snowfall in the UAE was recorded early this year.
These are just a few of the more memorable events of the year. Find out more with our Best of 2009 roundup, then test your knowledge with our interactive quiz .
Here’s to an equally interesting and exciting 2010.