Emerging Strategic Shifts Shaping the 2026 Regional Market

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 "crucial to build borders" in between work and personal life and take short vacations to "detach" from the workplace.

Tariq Bin Hendi, CEO and Board Member of Astra tech, reacted that "the best advice is to constantly challenge yourself" while also making sure a healthy sleep and exercise 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 consumers' requirements". Karim Benkirane, CCO of Du, stated: "If you make individuals you work with happy, you will make the consumer delighted, who will then make the shareholders pleased."Ambareen Musa, CEO for Revolut GCC, said the ability to "not stress" is the essential to finding a solution for issues.

Today, we're assembling more than 3000 conferences between investors and 119 Gulf-listed companies 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 area, and what comes next, including the expansion and ongoing advancement of the Gulf's capital markets, and the region's growing function 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 need and restored financial investment momentum, according to the current ICAEW Economic Insight Q4 2025 report, produced by Oxford Economics. The GCC is anticipated to outshine most international areas peers next year, with local GDP forecast to grow by 4.4%. Throughout the GCC, non-energy activity is predicted to broaden by 4.1% in 2026, driven by strong labour markets, improving credit conditions and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Navigating the Next GCC Corporate Landscape

Although oil profits will be under pressure in the first half of 2026, production is expected to increase once again in the 2nd half of 2026, supporting the area's medium-term outlook, it mentioned. Saudi Arabia will remain a major contributor to GCC momentum, with GDP projection to grow 4.3% in 2026.

Growth will be supported by commercial growth and policy reforms, including alleviated foreign ownership rules that intend to promote more investment. The fiscal deficit is projected to broaden to 5.6% of GDP next year in the middle of softer oil prices, while the recent five-year rent freeze in Riyadh aims to reduce inflationary pressures, though it may constrain future housing supply.

Strong domestic fundamentalsThe UAE is likewise placed for another strong year of performance, with GDP projection to rise 5.6% in 2026 as non-oil sectors continue to broaden. Tourist, trade and monetary services stay key growth chauffeurs, supported by population development 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 expected to pick up again in the second half of 2026, matching ongoing financial investment in facilities, technology and worldwide trade partnerships. Hanadi Khalife, the Head of Middle East, ICAEW, stated: "This quarter's outlook strengthens how far the GCC has been available in structure varied, resilient and globally competitive economies.

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

How to Maintain a Competitive Edge in Dubai

GCC countries are rotating towards a method of 'resilience over growth' getting in 2026, as the region prepares for an international landscape specified by softer oil rates, geopolitical fragmentation, and the fast transition to an AI-enabled economy. According to a new local outlook by PwC, the GCC is relocating to insulate its growth from external shocks by deepening global trade combination, protecting industrial supply chains, and performing a decisive shift from innovation ambition to functional implementation.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Settlements totally free Trade Contracts with China, the EU, and Japan are advancing, while talks with the UK have actually entered last drafting stages. The area is increasingly positioning itself as a central hub for east-west trade through the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor (IMEC). To support domestic manufacturing, securing critical minerals has ended up being a tactical priority.