How to Optimise Regional Strategy in 2026

El Houni asked the speakers to share what keeps them "on-point" at work and what recommendations they have for the audience. Hamad Al Hajri, CEO and Founder of Snoonu said it was "important to develop boundaries" in between work and individual life and take short holidays to "disconnect" from the office.

Tariq Bin Hendi, CEO and Board Member of Astra tech, reacted that "the best recommendations is to constantly challenge yourself" while likewise guaranteeing a healthy sleep and workout regimen. Mohamed Khadiri, CEO of Bank of Sharjah pointed out that to excel and "to be near to your client, you need to be passionate about your work and comprehend customers' needs". Karim Benkirane, CCO of Du, said: "If you make individuals you work with delighted, you will make the customer delighted, who will then make the shareholders delighted."Ambareen Musa, CEO for Revolut GCC, stated the ability to "not stress" is the essential to finding a solution for problems.

This week, we're assembling more than 3000 conferences between investors and 119 Gulf-listed business with a combined worth of $2.4 trillion at the HSBC GCC Exchanges Conference 2026, in London. We're bringing together financiers, business, exchanges, and policymakers to discuss what is changing in the region, and what comes next, consisting of the expansion and continuous development of the Gulf's capital markets, and the region's growing function in international networks of capital and trade.

Saudi Arabia and UAE are poised to lead the Gulf region's financial expansion in 2026, supported by strong private-sector performance, durable domestic need and renewed investment momentum, according to the most current ICAEW Economic Insight Q4 2025 report, produced by Oxford Economics. The GCC is expected to outshine most worldwide areas peers next year, with regional GDP forecast to grow by 4.4%. Across the GCC, non-energy activity is projected to expand by 4.1% in 2026, driven by strong labour markets, improving credit conditions and increasing financial investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Will Strategic Analytics Drive Dubai Corporate Growth?

Oil revenues will be under pressure in the very first half of 2026, production is anticipated to rise once again in the second half of 2026, supporting the region's medium-term outlook, it specified. Saudi Arabia will remain a major contributor to GCC momentum, with GDP projection to grow 4.3% in 2026.

Growth will be supported by industrial growth and policy reforms, consisting of relieved foreign ownership guidelines that intend to promote further investment. The financial deficit is forecasted to expand to 5.6% of GDP next year in the middle of softer oil prices, while the recent five-year lease freeze in Riyadh intends to relieve inflationary pressures, though it might constrain future real estate supply.

Strong domestic fundamentalsThe UAE is likewise positioned for another strong year of performance, with GDP forecast to rise 5.6% in 2026 as non-oil sectors continue to expand. Tourism, trade and financial services stay crucial development motorists, supported by population growth and continual domestic need. Dubai's economy grew 4.4% in the very first half of 2025, showing broad-based non-oil strength.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Oil production is expected to get once again in the 2nd half of 2026, complementing ongoing financial investment in infrastructure, innovation and global trade collaborations. Hanadi Khalife, the Head of Middle East, ICAEW, said: "This quarter's outlook enhances how far the GCC has come in building diverse, resilient and worldwide competitive economies.

Scott Livermore, ICAEW Economic Advisor, and Chief Economist and Handling Director, Oxford Economics Middle East, said: "Saudi Arabia and the UAE are getting in 2026 with strong foundations. Saudi non-oil activity is getting pace, supported by robust need and rising investment, even as financial pressures increase.""The UAE continues to take advantage of strong domestic basics, a sharp uplift in federal government spending and continual diversity efforts.

Methods for Scaling GCC Strategy in 2026

GCC nations are rotating towards a method of 'resilience over expansion' getting in 2026, as the region gets ready for a worldwide landscape specified by softer oil rates, geopolitical fragmentation, and the quick shift to an AI-enabled economy. According to a new local outlook by PwC, the GCC is moving to insulate its growth from external shocks by deepening global trade combination, securing commercial supply chains, and performing a decisive shift from technology ambition to operational application.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Settlements for Free Trade Agreements with China, the EU, and Japan are advancing, while talks with the UK have entered last drafting stages. The region is progressively placing itself as a main center for east-west trade through the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Passage (IMEC). To support domestic manufacturing, protecting crucial minerals has become a tactical priority.