Essay: A Comparative Study of Corruption in the Middle East and UK

This essay delves into the complex issue of corruption, comparing its manifestations and impacts in the Middle East and the United Kingdom. It begins by defining corruption and outlining its primary causes, such as greed, market monopolies, lack of transparency, and limited press freedom. The essay then examines the UK's relatively low corruption perception index and the government's efforts to combat corruption through strict laws like the UK Bribery Act. Conversely, the essay explores the Middle East, highlighting issues like non-taxable income, which increases corruption risks. It provides examples from the United Arab Emirates, discussing the real estate sector's involvement in money laundering and the country's attempts to curb corruption through financial centers. The essay concludes by referencing key sources that support the analysis.

Running Head: Corruption in the Middle East and United Kingdom 0
[CORRUPTION IN THE
MIDDLE EAST AND UNITED
KINGDOM]
2019
Student Name:

Corruption in the Middle East and United Kingdom 1
According to Newell (2018), corruption is a fraudulent and dishonest act done between two
or more than two officials working in the organisation. It is basically a misuse of powers
which are done by elected representatives who are in the constitutional position to provide
private gain to the particular person or a particular class of persons. According to Harrison
and Ryder (2016), the following are the main causes of corruption:
1. For the purpose of the greed of money.
2. For the purpose of having a monopoly in the market.
3. Due to the lack of transparency in politics.
4. Due to less freedom of the press in the country.
Corruption in the United Kingdom: According to Transparency International (2019), it can
be noted that the United Kingdom has scored 82 out 100 from the global corruption index and
gained 8th rank in corruption perceptions. In other words, the United Kingdom is the least 8th
nation among 180 countries in the world. It can also be noted that the government of the
United Kingdom has set very high and ethical standards in providing services to the citizens
of their country. The government of United Kingdom ensured that all such laws should be
made which can prevent corruption in each and every sector of the country. The laws such as
UK Bribery Act increases liability to the personnel and the official who all involved in the
case, such liability can be in the form of penalty or in the form of imprisonment or both. The
laws are that much strict that the gifts and hospitality provided by the officials are considered
on the intent and benefit of the person.

Corruption in the Middle East and United Kingdom 2
Corruption in Middle East countries: According to Cammett (2018), it can be noted and
observed that the Middle East countries are lacking various laws on taxation and various
other financial rules and regulation regarding the income of the individual. The income of the
individual is generally non-taxable in the Middle East countries which increase the chances
of frauds and corruption in the country. As per the corruption perception index of 2017, one
of the Middle East countries such as the United Arab Emirates stood 21st position and scored
71 marks out of 100 in the point of corruption perceptions index. As per the Transparency
International (2019), every one citizen out of three has paid bribery in the country which has
resulted in a constant increase in the corruption cases of the region. The real estate sector of
the United Arab Emirates is suffering from corruption and bribery which has resulted in a
subsequent fall in the rank of the country in the global transparency index. According to
Abidoye et al (2015), the real estate sector of the country has been involving in the money
laundering which has led it to an improvement in the corruption cases of the country.
Although the countries like the United Arab Emirates and various other Middle East
countries are making various efforts to decrease the corruption cases in the country by
establishing various financial centre such as Dubai International Financial Centre which helps
in maintaining due diligence for the citizens of the region.

Corruption in the Middle East and United Kingdom 3
References
Abidoye, B., Orazem, P.F., Vodopivec, M., Acemoglu, D., Johnson, S., Robinson, J.A.,
Aghion, P., Marinescu, Ahsan, A., Pages, C. and Alcázar, L., (2015). Corruption.
Washington, DC: World Bank.
Cammett, M., (2018). A political economy of the Middle East. Routledge.
Harrison, K. and Ryder, N., (2016). The law relating to financial crime in the United
Kingdom. Routledge.
Newell, J.L., (2018). Corruption in contemporary politics.
Transparency International, (2019) Corruption [Online] Available from
https://www.transparency.org/country/GBR [Accessed on 7th January 2019]
Transparency International, (2019) Corruption [Online] Available from
https://www.transparency.org/country/ARE [Accessed on 7th January 2019]