"Change is already affecting this country in healthy ways, " he said.

BBC: Why social media - not violence - could bring change to Oman

The dark economic clouds hovering over Europe, the Facebook debacle in the U.S., and slower economic growth this year in China compared with a year ago are affecting the valuations and prospects of businesses looking to go public even in relatively healthy Asia.

FORBES: Graff Diamonds Postpones Hong Kong IPO