How to Maintain a Leading Advantage in Dubai

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 "crucial to construct borders" 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 best recommendations is to continuously challenge yourself" while likewise guaranteeing a healthy sleep and workout regimen. Mohamed Khadiri, CEO of Bank of Sharjah mentioned that to stand out and "to be near your client, you need to be enthusiastic about your work and comprehend consumers' requirements". Karim Benkirane, CCO of Du, stated: "If you make individuals you work with delighted, you will make the client delighted, who will then make the investors delighted."Ambareen Musa, CEO for Revolut GCC, stated the ability to "not stress" is the essential to finding a service for problems.

Today, we're convening more than 3000 conferences between investors 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, business, exchanges, and policymakers to discuss what is changing in the area, and what comes next, consisting of the expansion and ongoing development 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 region's economic growth in 2026, supported by strong private-sector performance, durable domestic need and renewed financial investment momentum, according to the current ICAEW Economic Insight Q4 2025 report, produced by Oxford Economics. The GCC is anticipated 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 investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Predicting the Next GCC Business Landscape

Although oil earnings will be under pressure in the first half of 2026, production is anticipated to increase again in the 2nd half of 2026, supporting the region's medium-term outlook, it mentioned. Saudi Arabia will remain 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, consisting of alleviated foreign ownership guidelines that intend to promote more investment. The fiscal deficit is projected to expand to 5.6% of GDP next year amid softer oil prices, while the current five-year rent freeze in Riyadh aims to relieve inflationary pressures, though it might constrain future housing supply.

Strong domestic fundamentalsThe UAE is likewise placed for another strong year of efficiency, with GDP forecast to rise 5.6% in 2026 as non-oil sectors continue to expand. Tourism, trade and financial services stay essential development motorists, 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 expected to get again in the 2nd half of 2026, matching ongoing financial investment in facilities, technology and worldwide trade collaborations. Hanadi Khalife, the Head of Middle East, ICAEW, said: "This quarter's outlook strengthens how far the GCC has actually been available in structure diverse, resistant and globally competitive economies.

Scott Livermore, ICAEW Economic Consultant, and Chief Economist and Managing Director, Oxford Economics Middle East, said: "Saudi Arabia and the UAE are going into 2026 with strong foundations. Saudi non-oil activity is getting speed, supported by robust need and rising financial investment, even as fiscal pressures increase.""The UAE continues to gain from solid domestic basics, a sharp uplift in federal government costs and continual diversity efforts.

Reviewing 2026 Market Research for Strategic Growth

GCC countries are rotating towards a strategy of 'strength over expansion' getting in 2026, as the area gets ready for a worldwide landscape defined by softer oil prices, geopolitical fragmentation, and the rapid transition to an AI-enabled economy. According to a brand-new local outlook by PwC, the GCC is transferring to insulate its development from external shocks by deepening international trade integration, securing industrial supply chains, and executing a decisive shift from innovation ambition to functional execution.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Negotiations free of charge Trade Contracts with China, the EU, and Japan are advancing, while talks with the UK have actually gotten in last preparing stages. The region is increasingly placing itself as a main hub for east-west trade through the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor (IMEC). To support domestic production, protecting crucial minerals has actually become a tactical priority.