Methods for Scaling Regional Operations 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 Creator of Snoonu said it was "essential to develop borders" in between work and personal life and take brief holidays to "disconnect" from the workplace.

Tariq Bin Hendi, CEO and Board Member of Astra tech, responded that "the very best suggestions is to continuously challenge yourself" while also guaranteeing a healthy sleep and workout routine. Mohamed Khadiri, CEO of Bank of Sharjah pointed out that to excel and "to be near to your customer, you need to be enthusiastic about your work and understand clients' requirements". Karim Benkirane, CCO of Du, said: "If you make individuals you deal with pleased, you will make the customer delighted, who will then make the shareholders pleased."Ambareen Musa, CEO for Revolut GCC, stated the capability to "not stress" is the crucial to finding an option for issues.

Today, we're assembling more than 3000 meetings in between financiers and 119 Gulf-listed business with a combined worth of $2.4 trillion at the HSBC GCC Exchanges Conference 2026, in London. We're combining financiers, companies, exchanges, and policymakers to discuss what is altering in the area, and what follows, consisting of the expansion and continuous advancement of the Gulf's capital markets, and the region's growing role in worldwide networks of capital and trade.

Saudi Arabia and UAE are poised to lead the Gulf region's economic growth in 2026, supported by strong private-sector efficiency, resistant domestic demand and restored financial investment momentum, according to the latest ICAEW Economic Insight Q4 2025 report, produced by Oxford Economics. The GCC is anticipated to exceed most worldwide areas peers next year, with local GDP forecast to grow by 4.4%. Across the GCC, non-energy activity is predicted to expand by 4.1% in 2026, driven by strong labour markets, enhancing credit conditions and increasing financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How to Secure a Competitive Advantage in 2026

Although oil earnings will be under pressure in the very first half of 2026, production is anticipated to increase again in the second half of 2026, supporting the region's medium-term outlook, it stated. Saudi Arabia will remain a significant 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 additional financial investment. The financial deficit is predicted to expand to 5.6% of GDP next year amidst softer oil costs, while the current five-year rent freeze in Riyadh intends to ease inflationary pressures, though it might constrain future housing supply.

Strong domestic fundamentalsThe UAE is also positioned for another strong year of efficiency, with GDP forecast to rise 5.6% in 2026 as non-oil sectors continue to broaden. Tourism, trade and financial services remain key development chauffeurs, supported by population development and sustained domestic need. Dubai's economy grew 4.4% in the first half of 2025, reflecting broad-based non-oil strength.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Oil production is anticipated to get again in the second half of 2026, matching ongoing investment in infrastructure, innovation and worldwide trade partnerships. Hanadi Khalife, the Head of Middle East, ICAEW, said: "This quarter's outlook strengthens how far the GCC has actually can be found in building varied, resilient and worldwide competitive economies.

Scott Livermore, ICAEW Economic Consultant, and Chief Economic Expert and Managing Director, Oxford Economics Middle East, said: "Saudi Arabia and the UAE are getting in 2026 with strong structures. Saudi non-oil activity is getting pace, supported by robust demand and increasing financial investment, even as financial pressures increase.""The UAE continues to gain from strong domestic basics, a sharp uplift in government spending and sustained diversity efforts.

The Operational Benefits of Deep Market Intelligence

GCC countries are rotating towards a strategy of 'durability over expansion' entering 2026, as the area gets ready for an international landscape defined by softer oil costs, geopolitical fragmentation, and the rapid transition to an AI-enabled economy. According to a new local outlook by PwC, the GCC is transferring to insulate its growth from external shocks by deepening international trade combination, securing commercial supply chains, and performing a definitive shift from innovation aspiration to operational execution.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Settlements for Free Trade Arrangements with China, the EU, and Japan are advancing, while talks with the UK have entered last preparing stages. The area is progressively placing itself as a central hub for east-west trade through the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor (IMEC). To support domestic production, protecting critical minerals has ended up being a strategic priority.