Navigating the Next GCC Business Landscape

El Houni asked the speakers to share what keeps them "on-point" at work and what guidance they have for the audience. Hamad Al Hajri, CEO and Founder of Snoonu stated it was "essential to build limits" between work and individual life and take brief holidays to "detach" from the office.

Tariq Bin Hendi, CEO and Board Member of Astra tech, reacted that "the very best suggestions is to continuously challenge yourself" while likewise ensuring a healthy sleep and exercise regimen. Mohamed Khadiri, CEO of Bank of Sharjah explained that to excel and "to be close to your consumer, you have to be enthusiastic about your work and comprehend consumers' needs". Karim Benkirane, CCO of Du, said: "If you make the people you deal with delighted, you will make the consumer delighted, who will then make the investors happy."Ambareen Musa, CEO for Revolut GCC, stated the ability to "not stress" is the key to finding an option for issues.

Today, we're convening more than 3000 meetings in between investors and 119 Gulf-listed companies with a combined value of $2.4 trillion at the HSBC GCC Exchanges Conference 2026, in London. We're combining financiers, business, exchanges, and policymakers to discuss what is altering in the region, and what comes next, including the growth and ongoing development of the Gulf's capital markets, and the area's growing function in international networks of capital and trade.

Saudi Arabia and UAE are poised to lead the Gulf area's economic expansion in 2026, supported by strong private-sector efficiency, resilient domestic demand and restored investment momentum, according to the most current ICAEW Economic Insight Q4 2025 report, produced by Oxford Economics. The GCC is expected to exceed most global areas peers next year, with regional GDP forecast to grow by 4.4%. Throughout the GCC, non-energy activity is predicted to broaden by 4.1% in 2026, driven by strong labour markets, enhancing credit conditions and increasing financial investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Comparing Traditional Systems and 2026 Business Strategies

Although oil earnings 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 region's medium-term outlook, it stated. Saudi Arabia will stay a major contributor to GCC momentum, with GDP projection to grow 4.3% in 2026.

Growth will be supported by commercial growth and policy reforms, including alleviated foreign ownership guidelines that aim to stimulate more investment. The financial deficit is predicted to broaden to 5.6% of GDP next year amidst softer oil prices, while the recent five-year rent freeze in Riyadh aims to alleviate inflationary pressures, though it might constrain future housing supply.

Strong domestic fundamentalsThe UAE is also positioned for another strong year of efficiency, with GDP projection to rise 5.6% in 2026 as non-oil sectors continue to expand. Tourist, trade and financial services stay key development chauffeurs, supported by population growth and continual domestic need. 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 select up once again in the 2nd half of 2026, matching continuous investment in facilities, technology and global trade collaborations. Hanadi Khalife, the Head of Middle East, ICAEW, stated: "This quarter's outlook enhances how far the GCC has been available in building diverse, resilient and internationally competitive economies.

Scott Livermore, ICAEW Economic Advisor, and Chief Economic Expert and Handling Director, Oxford Economics Middle East, said: "Saudi Arabia and the UAE are getting in 2026 with strong foundations. Saudi non-oil activity is gaining pace, supported by robust need and increasing investment, even as fiscal pressures increase.""The UAE continues to gain from solid domestic fundamentals, a sharp uplift in government spending and continual diversification efforts.

Emerging Strategic Shifts Shaping the 2026 Regional Economy

GCC nations are rotating towards a strategy of 'durability over expansion' entering 2026, as the area prepares for a global landscape defined by softer oil prices, geopolitical fragmentation, and the quick transition 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 international trade combination, protecting commercial supply chains, and carrying out a definitive shift from technology ambition to functional implementation.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Negotiations for Free Trade Agreements with China, the EU, and Japan are advancing, while talks with the UK have actually gone into last drafting phases. The area is significantly positioning itself as a main center for east-west trade through the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor (IMEC). To support domestic production, securing important minerals has ended up being a strategic top priority.