Can Market Analytics Define Dubai Industrial 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 Creator of Snoonu said it was "essential to construct boundaries" between work and individual life and take short holidays to "disconnect" from the workplace.

Tariq Bin Hendi, CEO and Board Member of Astra tech, responded that "the finest guidance is to constantly challenge yourself" while likewise ensuring a healthy sleep and workout routine. Mohamed Khadiri, CEO of Bank of Sharjah explained that to excel and "to be near to your consumer, you have to be enthusiastic about your work and understand consumers' requirements". Karim Benkirane, CCO of Du, said: "If you make the people you work with pleased, you will make the consumer pleased, who will then make the shareholders pleased."Ambareen Musa, CEO for Revolut GCC, said the ability to "not panic" is the key to finding an option for problems.

Today, we're assembling more than 3000 meetings 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 combining investors, companies, exchanges, and policymakers to discuss what is changing in the region, and what follows, consisting of the expansion and ongoing 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 financial expansion in 2026, supported by strong private-sector performance, durable domestic demand and renewed 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 projection to grow by 4.4%. Across the GCC, non-energy activity is forecasted to broaden by 4.1% in 2026, driven by strong labour markets, improving credit conditions and rising investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Evaluating Legacy Systems and Future Economic Strategies

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

Growth will be supported by industrial expansion and policy reforms, including relieved foreign ownership rules that intend to stimulate more financial investment. The fiscal deficit is predicted to expand to 5.6% of GDP next year amidst softer oil costs, while the recent five-year rent freeze in Riyadh aims to alleviate inflationary pressures, though it may constrain future housing supply.

Strong domestic fundamentalsThe UAE is likewise positioned for another strong year of performance, with GDP projection to rise 5.6% in 2026 as non-oil sectors continue to broaden. Tourist, trade and financial services remain key development motorists, supported by population development 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 choose up once again in the second half of 2026, matching continuous financial investment in facilities, innovation and worldwide trade partnerships. Hanadi Khalife, the Head of Middle East, ICAEW, said: "This quarter's outlook strengthens how far the GCC has come in building diverse, durable and internationally competitive economies.

Scott Livermore, ICAEW Economic Consultant, and Chief Economic 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 rate, supported by robust need and rising investment, even as fiscal pressures increase.""The UAE continues to take advantage of strong domestic basics, a sharp uplift in government spending and continual diversity efforts.

Operational Excellence: a Key Pillar for 2026 Growth

GCC nations are rotating towards a method of 'resilience over expansion' getting in 2026, as the region prepares for a worldwide 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 moving to insulate its growth from external shocks by deepening global trade combination, securing industrial supply chains, and carrying out a definitive shift from innovation ambition to operational application.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

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