Will Strategic Research Drive Middle East Industrial Growth?

El Houni asked the speakers to share what keeps them "on-point" at work and what suggestions they have for the audience. Hamad Al Hajri, CEO and Founder of Snoonu said it was "essential to develop borders" between work and individual life and take short vacations to "disconnect" from the workplace.

Tariq Bin Hendi, CEO and Board Member of Astra tech, reacted that "the very best suggestions is to continuously challenge yourself" while also guaranteeing a healthy sleep and workout regimen. Mohamed Khadiri, CEO of Bank of Sharjah pointed out that to stand out and "to be close to your client, you have to be passionate about your work and comprehend clients' needs". Karim Benkirane, CCO of Du, said: "If you make the individuals you work with happy, you will make the consumer happy, who will then make the investors happy."Ambareen Musa, CEO for Revolut GCC, said the ability to "not worry" is the key to finding a solution for problems.

Today, we're convening more than 3000 conferences between investors and 119 Gulf-listed business with a combined value 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 comes next, including the expansion and continuous advancement of the Gulf's capital markets, and the region's growing role in global 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 performance, resistant domestic demand and renewed financial investment momentum, according to the most recent ICAEW Economic Insight Q4 2025 report, produced by Oxford Economics. The GCC is anticipated to exceed most international regions peers next year, with local GDP projection to grow by 4.4%. Across 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+

Operational Excellence: a Key Pillar for Regional Growth

Oil incomes will be under pressure in the very first half of 2026, production is anticipated to rise again in the second half of 2026, supporting the area's medium-term outlook, it mentioned. Saudi Arabia will remain a significant factor to GCC momentum, with GDP forecast to grow 4.3% in 2026.

Development will be supported by commercial growth and policy reforms, including reduced foreign ownership rules that intend to stimulate additional financial investment. The financial deficit is predicted to expand to 5.6% of GDP next year in the middle of softer oil prices, while the current five-year rent freeze in Riyadh aims to relieve 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 expand. Tourist, trade and monetary 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 expected to get again in the second half of 2026, complementing ongoing investment in infrastructure, innovation 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 building varied, resilient and worldwide competitive economies.

Scott Livermore, ICAEW Economic Consultant, and Chief Financial Expert and Managing Director, Oxford Economics Middle East, stated: "Saudi Arabia and the UAE are getting in 2026 with strong structures. Saudi non-oil activity is gaining speed, supported by robust demand and increasing investment, even as financial pressures increase.""The UAE continues to take advantage of strong domestic fundamentals, a sharp uplift in federal government costs and sustained diversity efforts.

Methods for Optimising Regional Operations in 2026

GCC countries are pivoting towards a method of 'strength over growth' getting in 2026, as the area gets ready for an international landscape specified by softer oil prices, geopolitical fragmentation, and the fast shift to an AI-enabled economy. According to a new regional outlook by PwC, the GCC is relocating to insulate its development from external shocks by deepening international trade integration, protecting industrial supply chains, and executing a definitive shift from technology ambition to functional application.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Negotiations for Free Trade Arrangements with China, the EU, and Japan are advancing, while talks with the UK have gone into final preparing stages. The region is increasingly placing itself as a main center for east-west trade through the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Passage (IMEC). To support domestic production, protecting critical minerals has actually ended up being a tactical priority.