Many in the West believe Islamic society, which is primarily centered in the Middle East, to be backward.

But, early Islamic society was way more literate than Europe, and between 700 and 1200 the Moslem civilization was arguably the most tolerant and cultured society in the world, and had many technological achievements (Singer, 1958):

The Lateen sail, which allowed for the building of larger and faster ships than the Roman square rigged ships.

The Moslems were the first to use a tidal mill in Basra around 1000 ad.

In 793 ad, the fist paper factory was set up in Baghdad, and by 1000 the entire Islamic world was enjoying bound books.

The Islamic world made substantial advances in textile production.

Al Jaabir and Al Razi wrote books that for centuries were the recognized standards in the field of chemical technology.

The Moslems invented greatly improved glass and ceramic products.

They produced a flammable petroleum akin to kerosene, and their perfume and acid industries were far superior to anything known before.

In mechanical engineering, from water mills to clocks, the Moslems were for centuries far ahead of the West.

In metallurgy, craftsmen in Toledo and Damascus produced swords of a quality that was proverbial in the West.

Egypt in particular became famous for its sugar and confectionery products.

[source: The Lever of Riches: Technological Creativity and Economic Progress by Joel Mokyr]

Hopefully, the region will invest its oil wealth wisely, to fuel economic progress after the oil is depleted or eclipsed by green technology.