The Operational Benefits of Advanced Strategy Research

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 borders" between work and personal life and take brief vacations to "disconnect" from the workplace.

Tariq Bin Hendi, CEO and Board Member of Astra tech, responded that "the very best recommendations is to continuously challenge yourself" while also guaranteeing a healthy sleep and workout routine. Mohamed Khadiri, CEO of Bank of Sharjah pointed out that to excel and "to be near your customer, you have to be enthusiastic about your work and understand customers' requirements". Karim Benkirane, CCO of Du, stated: "If you make individuals you work with happy, you will make the client pleased, who will then make the shareholders delighted."Ambareen Musa, CEO for Revolut GCC, stated the capability to "not panic" is the crucial to discovering a service for problems.

This week, we're convening more than 3000 meetings between investors and 119 Gulf-listed business with a combined worth of $2.4 trillion at the HSBC GCC Exchanges Conference 2026, in London. We're bringing together investors, companies, exchanges, and policymakers to discuss what is altering in the region, and what follows, including the expansion and continuous development 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 area's financial expansion in 2026, supported by strong private-sector efficiency, resistant domestic need and restored investment momentum, according to the newest ICAEW Economic Insight Q4 2025 report, produced by Oxford Economics. The GCC is expected to outperform most worldwide areas peers next year, with regional GDP projection to grow by 4.4%. Across the GCC, non-energy activity is predicted to broaden by 4.1% in 2026, driven by strong labour markets, enhancing credit conditions and rising financial investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Key Tips for Operational Excellence in Dubai

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

Development will be supported by industrial expansion and policy reforms, consisting of reduced foreign ownership guidelines that aim to stimulate further investment. The financial deficit is projected to widen to 5.6% of GDP next year amid softer oil costs, while the recent five-year lease freeze in Riyadh aims to ease inflationary pressures, though it might constrain future real estate supply.

Strong domestic fundamentalsThe UAE is also placed for another strong year of performance, with GDP forecast to rise 5.6% in 2026 as non-oil sectors continue to broaden. Tourism, trade and financial services stay crucial growth chauffeurs, supported by population development and continual domestic demand. Dubai's economy grew 4.4% in the very first half of 2025, reflecting broad-based non-oil strength.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Oil production is anticipated to get once again in the 2nd half of 2026, complementing continuous financial investment in facilities, innovation and global trade collaborations. Hanadi Khalife, the Head of Middle East, ICAEW, stated: "This quarter's outlook enhances how far the GCC has can be found in structure varied, durable and worldwide competitive economies.

Scott Livermore, ICAEW Economic Advisor, and Chief Economist and Handling Director, Oxford Economics Middle East, stated: "Saudi Arabia and the UAE are getting in 2026 with strong foundations. Saudi non-oil activity is getting rate, supported by robust demand and rising investment, even as financial pressures increase.""The UAE continues to gain from strong domestic basics, a sharp uplift in government costs and sustained diversity efforts.

Can Strategic Research Define Middle East Corporate Success?

GCC countries are rotating towards a method of 'strength over expansion' going into 2026, as the region gets ready for a global landscape defined by softer oil rates, geopolitical fragmentation, and the rapid transition 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 integration, securing industrial supply chains, and performing a definitive shift from technology ambition to functional execution.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Settlements for Free Trade Agreements with China, the EU, and Japan are advancing, while talks with the UK have actually gone into final preparing stages. The area is progressively placing itself as a main center for east-west trade through the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor (IMEC). To support domestic manufacturing, securing critical minerals has actually ended up being a tactical concern.