Successful switchers tend to be highly curious people who pursue risky approaches and constructive feedback, according to Rich Wellins, a senior vice president of human-resources consultants Development Dimensions International.

WSJ: How to Switch Careers, Companies and Roles

Outside of oil and gas projects and a few specific infrastructure projects (ports like Jebel Ali and airports like Dubai), far less real economic development has happened in the oil-rich parts of the Arab world than would be expected based on their great endowment of human and natural resources.

FORBES: Why Have The Islamic Countries Failed To Develop Even With Resources Like Oil, While Countries With No Resources Like Switzerland Have Flourished?