Recent years have shown a growing appreciation in the Arabian Gulf region for the urgency of more sustainable approaches. What developments and issues are at the heart of this urgency? What regional traits and values are relevant to the dialogue about sustainability? Riding the Shamal sets the stage for this dialogue by presenting a current day case for 'why' sustainability is so important for the Gulf region, 'what' it includes and 'where' to begin. The book guides the reader in understanding some of the key developments and trends that have helped to trigger the dialogue about sustainability. These developments and trends are the backdrop against which regional organisations will have to shape their response to the call for more transparency and accountability. Drawing upon regional and international sources Riding the Shamal presents an abundance of information that will prove useful both to those already well versed in sustainability and those only just starting to read up on it.