Methods for Optimising Regional Operations in 2026

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 "important to build limits" in between work and individual life and take short vacations to "detach" from the workplace.

Tariq Bin Hendi, CEO and Board Member of Astra tech, reacted that "the very best recommendations is to constantly challenge yourself" while also ensuring a healthy sleep and exercise regimen. Mohamed Khadiri, CEO of Bank of Sharjah explained that to excel and "to be near your client, you have to be passionate about your work and understand customers' needs". Karim Benkirane, CCO of Du, stated: "If you make individuals you work with delighted, you will make the consumer pleased, who will then make the shareholders pleased."Ambareen Musa, CEO for Revolut GCC, stated the capability to "not worry" is the essential to discovering a solution for issues.

Today, we're assembling more than 3000 conferences in between financiers and 119 Gulf-listed companies 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 changing in the area, and what follows, consisting of the expansion and ongoing development of the Gulf's capital markets, and the area's growing role in worldwide networks of capital and trade.

Saudi Arabia and UAE are poised to lead the Gulf area's economic expansion in 2026, supported by strong private-sector performance, resilient domestic need and renewed investment momentum, according to the newest ICAEW Economic Insight Q4 2025 report, produced by Oxford Economics. The GCC is expected to surpass most international areas peers next year, with local GDP forecast to grow by 4.4%. Across the GCC, non-energy activity is forecasted to expand by 4.1% in 2026, driven by strong labour markets, enhancing credit conditions and rising investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Key Tips for Industrial Excellence in Dubai

Oil incomes will be under pressure in the very first half of 2026, production is expected to increase once again in the second half of 2026, supporting the area's medium-term outlook, it stated. Saudi Arabia will remain a major factor to GCC momentum, with GDP projection to grow 4.3% in 2026.

Growth will be supported by commercial expansion and policy reforms, including reduced foreign ownership rules that aim to promote more financial investment. The fiscal deficit is projected to broaden to 5.6% of GDP next year amidst softer oil rates, while the current five-year rent freeze in Riyadh intends to alleviate inflationary pressures, though it may constrain future real estate supply.

Strong domestic fundamentalsThe UAE is also placed for another strong year of efficiency, with GDP projection to rise 5.6% in 2026 as non-oil sectors continue to broaden. Tourism, trade and monetary services remain essential growth motorists, supported by population growth and sustained domestic need. 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 expected to pick up once again in the second half of 2026, matching continuous financial investment in facilities, innovation and worldwide trade collaborations. Hanadi Khalife, the Head of Middle East, ICAEW, stated: "This quarter's outlook strengthens how far the GCC has actually been available in structure diverse, resilient and globally competitive economies.

Scott Livermore, ICAEW Economic Advisor, and Chief Economic Expert and Handling Director, Oxford Economics Middle East, said: "Saudi Arabia and the UAE are getting in 2026 with strong foundations. Saudi non-oil activity is gaining speed, supported by robust demand and rising financial investment, even as financial pressures increase.""The UAE continues to benefit from strong domestic fundamentals, a sharp uplift in federal government costs and sustained diversification efforts.

Comparing Traditional Models and 2026 Economic Frameworks

GCC countries are pivoting towards a method of 'strength over growth' getting in 2026, as the region prepares for a worldwide landscape specified by softer oil prices, geopolitical fragmentation, and the rapid transition to an AI-enabled economy. According to a new regional outlook by PwC, the GCC is moving to insulate its growth from external shocks by deepening global trade combination, protecting commercial supply chains, and performing a definitive shift from innovation ambition to functional 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 entered last drafting phases. The area is significantly placing itself as a main hub for east-west trade through the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Passage (IMEC). To support domestic manufacturing, protecting vital minerals has become a strategic priority.