Sandstorm describes a future where a series of conflating events leads to significant regional instability, including conflict between the US and Iran, thereby creating a turbulent domestic environment and adverse economic conditions for Saudi Arabia. The Fertile Gulf describes a world in which Saudi Arabia takes advantage of a global environment characterised by robust demand for energy and increasing globalisation and is able to expand its physical and human capital, providing a platform for diversified growth despite grappling with environmental problems. ”As one of the largest economies and a key political player in the region, Saudi Arabia has a critical role in determining the future of the Middle East, if not the world,” Nicholas Davis, scenario expert at the WEF and co-author of the study, said in a statement.