Maximising Corporate Efficiency through Advanced Business Planning

El Houni asked the speakers to share what keeps them "on-point" at work and what advice they have for the audience. Hamad Al Hajri, CEO and Creator of Snoonu said it was "important to construct boundaries" between work and individual 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 advice is to constantly challenge yourself" while likewise ensuring a healthy sleep and workout regimen. Mohamed Khadiri, CEO of Bank of Sharjah pointed out that to excel and "to be close to your consumer, you have to be enthusiastic about your work and comprehend clients' needs". Karim Benkirane, CCO of Du, stated: "If you make individuals you deal with pleased, you will make the customer happy, who will then make the shareholders pleased."Ambareen Musa, CEO for Revolut GCC, said the ability to "not worry" is the crucial to finding a service for issues.

This week, we're assembling more than 3000 conferences 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, business, 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 global 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 efficiency, resilient domestic need and renewed investment momentum, according to the current ICAEW Economic Insight Q4 2025 report, produced by Oxford Economics. The GCC is anticipated to outshine most international regions peers next year, with regional GDP forecast to grow by 4.4%. Throughout the GCC, non-energy activity is projected to broaden by 4.1% in 2026, driven by strong labour markets, enhancing credit conditions and increasing financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Accelerating Regional Industrial Growth through Strategy

Although oil earnings will be under pressure in the first half of 2026, production is expected to increase again in the second half of 2026, supporting the region's medium-term outlook, it stated. Saudi Arabia will stay a significant factor to GCC momentum, with GDP projection to grow 4.3% in 2026.

Development will be supported by industrial expansion and policy reforms, including alleviated foreign ownership rules that aim to promote further investment. The financial deficit is forecasted to expand to 5.6% of GDP next year amid softer oil costs, while the current five-year lease freeze in Riyadh intends to alleviate inflationary pressures, though it may constrain future real estate 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 expand. Tourism, trade and monetary services remain essential growth drivers, supported by population growth and continual domestic need. Dubai's economy grew 4.4% in the very first half of 2025, reflecting broad-based non-oil strength.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Oil production is anticipated to get again in the 2nd half of 2026, complementing ongoing financial investment in facilities, technology and international trade partnerships. Hanadi Khalife, the Head of Middle East, ICAEW, said: "This quarter's outlook enhances how far the GCC has actually come in structure diverse, resistant 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 entering 2026 with strong foundations. Saudi non-oil activity is getting speed, supported by robust need and rising investment, even as fiscal pressures increase.""The UAE continues to benefit from solid domestic principles, a sharp uplift in federal government costs and continual diversity efforts.

Emerging Strategic Shifts Defining the 2026 Regional Economy

GCC nations are rotating towards a strategy of 'strength over expansion' getting in 2026, as the region gets ready for a worldwide landscape specified by softer oil prices, geopolitical fragmentation, and the fast transition to an AI-enabled economy. According to a brand-new regional outlook by PwC, the GCC is moving to insulate its growth from external shocks by deepening global trade combination, protecting industrial supply chains, and performing a decisive shift from technology ambition to operational application.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Settlements for Free Trade Contracts with China, the EU, and Japan are advancing, while talks with the UK have actually gone into final drafting phases. The area is increasingly placing itself as a central center for east-west trade through the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Passage (IMEC). To support domestic production, securing critical minerals has actually ended up being a strategic concern.