Reviewing 2026 Market Data for Future Growth

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 "essential to build boundaries" in between work and personal life and take brief holidays to "disconnect" from the office.

Tariq Bin Hendi, CEO and Board Member of Astra tech, reacted that "the very best guidance is to constantly challenge yourself" while also guaranteeing a healthy sleep and exercise routine. Mohamed Khadiri, CEO of Bank of Sharjah pointed out that to stand out and "to be near your client, you have to be passionate about your work and understand consumers' requirements". Karim Benkirane, CCO of Du, said: "If you make individuals you deal with delighted, you will make the customer delighted, who will then make the investors delighted."Ambareen Musa, CEO for Revolut GCC, stated the capability to "not panic" is the crucial to finding a solution for problems.

Today, 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, business, exchanges, and policymakers to discuss what is changing in the region, and what comes next, including the growth and ongoing advancement of the Gulf's capital markets, and the region's growing function 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, 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 surpass most international areas peers next year, with regional GDP forecast to grow by 4.4%. Throughout the GCC, non-energy activity is projected 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 Future Trends Defining the 2026 Regional Economy

Although oil incomes will be under pressure in the first half of 2026, production is anticipated to rise again in the 2nd half of 2026, supporting the region's medium-term outlook, it specified. Saudi Arabia will remain a major contributor to GCC momentum, with GDP forecast to grow 4.3% in 2026.

Development will be supported by commercial growth and policy reforms, including relieved foreign ownership rules that aim to promote more financial investment. The financial deficit is projected to expand to 5.6% of GDP next year amid softer oil costs, while the current five-year lease freeze in Riyadh aims to reduce inflationary pressures, though it might constrain future real estate supply.

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

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Oil production is anticipated to pick up once again in the 2nd half of 2026, matching ongoing investment in facilities, technology and global trade partnerships. Hanadi Khalife, the Head of Middle East, ICAEW, stated: "This quarter's outlook enhances how far the GCC has actually been available in building diverse, resistant 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 structures. Saudi non-oil activity is acquiring pace, supported by robust demand and increasing financial investment, even as financial pressures increase.""The UAE continues to gain from solid domestic principles, a sharp uplift in government costs and sustained diversity efforts.

Can Strategic Research Define Dubai Corporate Growth?

GCC nations are pivoting towards a strategy of 'resilience over expansion' going into 2026, as the region prepares for an international landscape specified by softer oil costs, geopolitical fragmentation, and the rapid shift to an AI-enabled economy. According to a brand-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 technology ambition to operational execution.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Settlements free of charge Trade Arrangements with China, the EU, and Japan are advancing, while talks with the UK have gotten in last drafting phases. The area is increasingly placing itself as a main center for east-west trade through the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Passage (IMEC). To support domestic manufacturing, securing crucial minerals has actually become a strategic top priority.