BAE Systems' business in the Middle East has garnered much media attention in recent years, mainly on one of its most lucrative contracts, the al-Yamamah deal to sell arms to Saudi Arabia. But, to the intense frustration of its management, the focus has been on long-running allegations of corruption and bribery related to the contract, always denied by the company.

Behind the headlines, the region's contribution to BAE's financial health and, arguably, Britain's economy, should not be underestimated.