Optimising 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 Founder of Snoonu stated it was "essential to build boundaries" in between work and personal life and take brief vacations to "disconnect" from the workplace.

Tariq Bin Hendi, CEO and Board Member of Astra tech, responded that "the very best guidance is to continuously challenge yourself" while also ensuring a healthy sleep and workout routine. Mohamed Khadiri, CEO of Bank of Sharjah mentioned that to stand out and "to be near to your client, you have to be enthusiastic about your work and comprehend customers' needs". Karim Benkirane, CCO of Du, stated: "If you make individuals you deal with happy, you will make the client pleased, who will then make the shareholders pleased."Ambareen Musa, CEO for Revolut GCC, said the ability to "not panic" is the crucial to finding an option for issues.

Today, we're convening more than 3000 meetings 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 investors, business, exchanges, and policymakers to discuss what is altering in the area, and what follows, including the expansion and ongoing advancement of the Gulf's capital markets, and the area's growing function in worldwide networks of capital and trade.

Saudi Arabia and UAE are poised to lead the Gulf area's financial expansion in 2026, supported by strong private-sector performance, resilient domestic demand and renewed financial investment momentum, according to the current ICAEW Economic Insight Q4 2025 report, produced by Oxford Economics. The GCC is expected to outshine most international regions peers next year, with regional GDP projection to grow by 4.4%. Across the GCC, non-energy activity is predicted to broaden by 4.1% in 2026, driven by strong labour markets, enhancing credit conditions and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Emerging Strategic Trends Shaping the 2026 GCC Economy

Oil earnings will be under pressure in the 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 mentioned. Saudi Arabia will remain a significant factor to GCC momentum, with GDP projection to grow 4.3% in 2026.

Development will be supported by commercial growth and policy reforms, including alleviated foreign ownership rules that intend to promote additional financial investment. The fiscal deficit is predicted to widen to 5.6% of GDP next year in the middle of softer oil costs, while the recent five-year rent freeze in Riyadh intends to alleviate inflationary pressures, though it may constrain future real estate 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 broaden. Tourism, trade and monetary services remain crucial growth motorists, supported by population development and sustained domestic demand. 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 get again in the second half of 2026, complementing 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 actually can be found in building varied, resistant and internationally competitive economies.

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

Emerging Future Trends Defining the 2026 Regional Economy

GCC countries are rotating towards a technique of 'strength over expansion' entering 2026, as the area prepares for a global landscape specified by softer oil prices, geopolitical fragmentation, and the quick shift to an AI-enabled economy. According to a brand-new local outlook by PwC, the GCC is transferring to insulate its growth from external shocks by deepening international trade combination, protecting industrial supply chains, and performing a definitive shift from technology ambition to operational application.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Negotiations totally free Trade Agreements with China, the EU, and Japan are advancing, while talks with the UK have entered final drafting phases. The region is significantly positioning itself as a main hub for east-west trade through the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor (IMEC). To support domestic manufacturing, securing crucial minerals has become a strategic top priority.