Methods for Scaling Regional Strategy in 2026

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 stated it was "essential to build borders" between work and individual life and take short vacations to "detach" from the workplace.

Karim Benkirane, CCO of Du, said: "If you make the individuals you work with happy, you will make the customer happy, 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.

This week, we're assembling more than 3000 meetings between financiers and 119 Gulf-listed business with a combined value of $2.4 trillion at the HSBC GCC Exchanges Conference 2026, in London. We're bringing together financiers, companies, 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 role in international networks of capital and trade.

Saudi Arabia and UAE are poised to lead the Gulf area's economic growth in 2026, supported by strong private-sector efficiency, resistant domestic need and renewed financial investment momentum, according to the newest ICAEW Economic Insight Q4 2025 report, produced by Oxford Economics. The GCC is expected to outperform most global areas peers next year, with regional GDP projection to grow by 4.4%. Throughout the GCC, non-energy activity is projected 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+

Analysing 2026 Market Research for Strategic Growth

Oil earnings 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 stay a significant contributor to GCC momentum, with GDP projection to grow 4.3% in 2026.

Growth will be supported by commercial expansion and policy reforms, including relieved foreign ownership rules that aim to stimulate more investment. The financial deficit is predicted to widen to 5.6% of GDP next year in the middle of softer oil costs, while the recent five-year lease freeze in Riyadh aims to ease inflationary pressures, though it might constrain future real estate supply.

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

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Oil production is anticipated to get once again in the second half of 2026, complementing continuous investment in infrastructure, technology and international trade collaborations. Hanadi Khalife, the Head of Middle East, ICAEW, stated: "This quarter's outlook enhances how far the GCC has actually can be found in structure varied, resilient and worldwide competitive economies.

Scott Livermore, ICAEW Economic Advisor, and Chief Economic Expert and Handling Director, Oxford Economics Middle East, stated: "Saudi Arabia and the UAE are going into 2026 with strong structures. Saudi non-oil activity is gaining pace, supported by robust need and rising investment, even as fiscal pressures increase.""The UAE continues to gain from strong domestic basics, a sharp uplift in federal government costs and sustained diversification efforts.

How to Secure a Leading Advantage in Dubai

GCC countries are pivoting towards a method of 'resilience over growth' getting in 2026, as the region prepares for a worldwide landscape defined 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 relocating to insulate its growth from external shocks by deepening international trade combination, protecting commercial supply chains, and carrying out a definitive shift from technology aspiration to operational application.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Settlements totally free Trade Arrangements with China, the EU, and Japan are advancing, while talks with the UK have actually gotten in final drafting phases. The region is increasingly positioning itself as a central hub for east-west trade through the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor (IMEC). To support domestic manufacturing, securing crucial minerals has ended up being a tactical concern.