It is now widely acknowledged that business operations and investment capital contribute to peace and stability in host societies...However poor risk management may not only contribute to political instability and violent conflict, but it may also harm the organisation by increasing the risk of doing business, repatriating assets, and the safety of personnel. Following the launch of the UN expert group guidance on responsible business and investment in conflict-affected and high-risk areas in June 2010, here we identify some challenges and opportunities to those seeking to use this latest thinking in the Middle East and North Africa region. We find that MENA provides a unique yet pertinent case that requires state and sub-regional analysis. This practice note will be of interest business leaders, institutional investors such as pension and sovereign wealth funds, as well as the media and NGOs.