The Operational Advantages of Deep Strategy Research

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 "crucial to develop limits" in between work and individual life and take short vacations to "disconnect" from the office.

Tariq Bin Hendi, CEO and Board Member of Astra tech, responded that "the finest recommendations is to constantly challenge yourself" while likewise making sure a healthy sleep and workout routine. Mohamed Khadiri, CEO of Bank of Sharjah pointed out that to excel and "to be near to your client, you need to be enthusiastic about your work and understand customers' requirements". Karim Benkirane, CCO of Du, said: "If you make individuals you deal with delighted, you will make the consumer happy, who will then make the investors pleased."Ambareen Musa, CEO for Revolut GCC, said the ability to "not panic" is the key to discovering a solution for problems.

This week, we're convening more than 3000 conferences between financiers and 119 Gulf-listed companies with a combined value 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 area, and what follows, including the expansion and continuous advancement of the Gulf's capital markets, and the region's growing function in global networks of capital and trade.

Saudi Arabia and UAE are poised to lead the Gulf region's economic growth in 2026, supported by strong private-sector efficiency, resistant domestic need and restored investment momentum, according to the current ICAEW Economic Insight Q4 2025 report, produced by Oxford Economics. The GCC is anticipated to exceed most global regions peers next year, with local GDP projection 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 increasing investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Reviewing 2026 GCC Research for Strategic Insights

Although oil profits will be under pressure in the first half of 2026, production is anticipated to increase again in the second half of 2026, supporting the region's medium-term outlook, it specified. Saudi Arabia will stay a significant contributor to GCC momentum, with GDP projection to grow 4.3% in 2026.

Development will be supported by industrial expansion and policy reforms, consisting of alleviated foreign ownership rules that intend to stimulate more investment. The fiscal deficit is projected to expand 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 reduce inflationary pressures, though it might constrain future real estate supply.

Strong domestic fundamentalsThe UAE is also positioned for another strong year of performance, with GDP projection to rise 5.6% in 2026 as non-oil sectors continue to broaden. Tourism, trade and financial services remain crucial development motorists, supported by population development and continual 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 get once again in the 2nd half of 2026, complementing continuous financial investment in facilities, technology and worldwide trade partnerships. Hanadi Khalife, the Head of Middle East, ICAEW, said: "This quarter's outlook enhances how far the GCC has been available in building diverse, resilient and globally 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 entering 2026 with strong foundations. Saudi non-oil activity is acquiring speed, supported by robust demand and increasing investment, even as fiscal pressures increase.""The UAE continues to benefit from solid domestic principles, a sharp uplift in government costs and sustained diversity efforts.

Will Strategic Analytics Drive Middle East Corporate Growth?

GCC nations are rotating towards a technique of 'resilience over expansion' going into 2026, as the area prepares for a global landscape defined 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 moving to insulate its development from external shocks by deepening worldwide trade integration, securing industrial supply chains, and executing a decisive shift from innovation ambition to operational execution.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Settlements totally free Trade Agreements with China, the EU, and Japan are advancing, while talks with the UK have actually entered final preparing stages. The area is significantly positioning itself as a central center for east-west trade through the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor (IMEC). To support domestic production, protecting vital minerals has ended up being a tactical priority.