The Strategic Benefits of Deep Strategy Intelligence

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 Creator of Snoonu stated it was "important to develop limits" between work and individual life and take brief holidays to "disconnect" from the office.

Karim Benkirane, CCO of Du, said: "If you make the people you work with happy, you will make the consumer happy, who will then make the shareholders happy."Ambareen Musa, CEO for Revolut GCC, stated the capability to "not stress" is the key to finding an option for issues.

This week, we're assembling more than 3000 meetings 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 financiers, business, exchanges, and policymakers to discuss what is changing in the region, and what comes next, consisting of the growth 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 financial growth in 2026, supported by strong private-sector efficiency, resistant domestic demand and renewed financial investment momentum, according to the latest ICAEW Economic Insight Q4 2025 report, produced by Oxford Economics. The GCC is expected to surpass most worldwide 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 facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Emerging Future Trends Defining the 2026 GCC Market

Oil profits will be under pressure in the very first half of 2026, production is expected to rise once again in the 2nd half of 2026, supporting the area's medium-term outlook, it specified. Saudi Arabia will stay a major factor to GCC momentum, with GDP forecast to grow 4.3% in 2026.

Growth will be supported by commercial expansion and policy reforms, including alleviated foreign ownership guidelines that intend to promote more financial investment. The fiscal deficit is forecasted to widen to 5.6% of GDP next year in the middle of softer oil costs, while the current five-year lease freeze in Riyadh aims to ease inflationary pressures, though it may constrain future housing supply.

Strong domestic fundamentalsThe UAE is also positioned for another strong year of efficiency, with GDP projection to increase 5.6% in 2026 as non-oil sectors continue to broaden. Tourist, trade and monetary services remain key development chauffeurs, supported by population growth and continual 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 expected to get again in the second half of 2026, complementing continuous financial investment in facilities, innovation and worldwide trade partnerships. Hanadi Khalife, the Head of Middle East, ICAEW, said: "This quarter's outlook enhances how far the GCC has actually can be found in structure varied, resistant and worldwide competitive economies.

Scott Livermore, ICAEW Economic Advisor, and Chief Financial Expert and Handling Director, Oxford Economics Middle East, stated: "Saudi Arabia and the UAE are going into 2026 with strong foundations. Saudi non-oil activity is acquiring speed, supported by robust need and rising financial investment, even as financial pressures increase.""The UAE continues to benefit from strong domestic principles, a sharp uplift in federal government spending and sustained diversity efforts.

Evaluating Legacy Systems and 2026 Economic Frameworks

GCC countries are pivoting towards a strategy of 'strength over growth' entering 2026, as the region gets ready for a worldwide landscape defined by softer oil rates, geopolitical fragmentation, and the quick transition to an AI-enabled economy. According to a brand-new regional outlook by PwC, the GCC is relocating to insulate its growth from external shocks by deepening global trade combination, securing commercial supply chains, and carrying out a decisive shift from innovation aspiration to operational implementation.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Settlements totally free Trade Arrangements with China, the EU, and Japan are advancing, while talks with the UK have gotten in final drafting stages. The area is significantly positioning itself as a central center for east-west trade through the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Passage (IMEC). To support domestic production, securing crucial minerals has actually ended up being a strategic top priority.