Operational Excellence: a Key Driver for Regional Success

El Houni asked the speakers to share what keeps them "on-point" at work and what guidance they have for the audience. Hamad Al Hajri, CEO and Creator of Snoonu said it was "crucial to construct limits" between work and individual life and take brief vacations to "detach" from the workplace.

Tariq Bin Hendi, CEO and Board Member of Astra tech, responded that "the very best guidance is to constantly challenge yourself" while also making sure a healthy sleep and workout routine. Mohamed Khadiri, CEO of Bank of Sharjah mentioned that to stand out and "to be close to your client, you need to be enthusiastic about your work and understand customers' needs". Karim Benkirane, CCO of Du, said: "If you make the people you work with delighted, you will make the client happy, who will then make the investors delighted."Ambareen Musa, CEO for Revolut GCC, stated the ability to "not stress" is the key to discovering a solution for issues.

This week, we're assembling more than 3000 meetings in 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 investors, companies, exchanges, and policymakers to discuss what is altering in the area, and what comes next, including the expansion and continuous development of the Gulf's capital markets, and the area's growing role in global networks of capital and trade.

Saudi Arabia and UAE are poised to lead the Gulf region's economic expansion in 2026, supported by strong private-sector performance, durable domestic demand and restored investment momentum, according to the most recent ICAEW Economic Insight Q4 2025 report, produced by Oxford Economics. The GCC is anticipated to outperform most global regions peers next year, with regional GDP forecast to grow by 4.4%. Throughout the GCC, non-energy activity is predicted to expand by 4.1% in 2026, driven by strong labour markets, improving credit conditions and rising investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Industrial Excellence: a Strategic Pillar for 2026 Growth

Oil incomes will be under pressure in the very first half of 2026, production is expected to increase once again in the 2nd half of 2026, supporting the region's medium-term outlook, it stated. Saudi Arabia will remain 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, consisting of eased foreign ownership guidelines that aim to promote more investment. The financial deficit is predicted to widen to 5.6% of GDP next year amidst softer oil rates, while the current five-year rent freeze in Riyadh aims to ease inflationary pressures, though it might constrain future housing supply.

Strong domestic fundamentalsThe UAE is likewise positioned for another strong year of performance, with GDP forecast to increase 5.6% in 2026 as non-oil sectors continue to expand. Tourist, trade and financial services stay essential growth motorists, supported by population growth and sustained 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 anticipated to choose up again in the second half of 2026, matching continuous investment in facilities, technology and worldwide trade partnerships. Hanadi Khalife, the Head of Middle East, ICAEW, stated: "This quarter's outlook enhances how far the GCC has come in structure diverse, resilient and worldwide competitive economies.

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

The Operational Benefits of Advanced Strategy Intelligence

GCC nations are rotating towards a technique of 'strength over growth' entering 2026, as the area gets ready for an international landscape defined by softer oil costs, geopolitical fragmentation, and the fast shift to an AI-enabled economy. According to a brand-new local outlook by PwC, the GCC is moving to insulate its development from external shocks by deepening international trade combination, protecting industrial supply chains, and carrying out a definitive shift from technology aspiration to functional application.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Negotiations totally free Trade Arrangements with China, the EU, and Japan are advancing, while talks with the UK have gone into final preparing phases. The area is increasingly placing itself as a central hub for east-west trade through the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Passage (IMEC). To support domestic production, protecting vital minerals has become a strategic top priority.