The Strategic Benefits of Advanced Market 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 Creator of Snoonu said it was "essential to develop limits" between work and individual life and take short vacations to "detach" from the workplace.

Tariq Bin Hendi, CEO and Board Member of Astra tech, responded that "the finest suggestions is to constantly challenge yourself" while also ensuring a healthy sleep and exercise routine. Mohamed Khadiri, CEO of Bank of Sharjah explained that to stand out and "to be near your client, you need to be passionate about your work and comprehend consumers' requirements". Karim Benkirane, CCO of Du, said: "If you make the people you work with delighted, you will make the customer happy, who will then make the shareholders pleased."Ambareen Musa, CEO for Revolut GCC, stated the capability to "not worry" is the essential to finding an option for issues.

Today, we're assembling more than 3000 meetings in 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 uniting financiers, companies, exchanges, and policymakers to discuss what is altering in the region, and what comes next, including the expansion and ongoing advancement of the Gulf's capital markets, and the region's growing function in international networks of capital and trade.

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

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Predicting the Next Middle East Corporate Environment

Oil profits 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 stay a significant contributor to GCC momentum, with GDP forecast to grow 4.3% in 2026.

Growth will be supported by industrial expansion and policy reforms, consisting of reduced foreign ownership guidelines that aim to stimulate more financial investment. The financial deficit is forecasted to widen to 5.6% of GDP next year amid softer oil costs, while the current five-year rent freeze in Riyadh intends to relieve inflationary pressures, though it may constrain future real estate supply.

Strong domestic fundamentalsThe UAE is likewise positioned for another strong year of performance, with GDP forecast to rise 5.6% in 2026 as non-oil sectors continue to broaden. Tourist, trade and financial services remain key growth chauffeurs, supported by population development and continual domestic need. Dubai's economy grew 4.4% in the very first half of 2025, showing broad-based non-oil strength.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Oil production is anticipated to get again in the second 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 come in structure diverse, resilient and internationally competitive economies.

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

Navigating the Next Middle East Corporate Environment

GCC nations are pivoting towards a technique of 'resilience over growth' entering 2026, as the region prepares for an international landscape defined by softer oil prices, geopolitical fragmentation, and the fast shift to an AI-enabled economy. According to a brand-new regional outlook by PwC, the GCC is moving to insulate its development from external shocks by deepening international trade combination, protecting industrial supply chains, and carrying out a decisive shift from technology ambition to operational execution.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Settlements for Free Trade Arrangements with China, the EU, and Japan are advancing, while talks with the UK have actually gone into final preparing phases. The region is increasingly placing itself as a main center for east-west trade through the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor (IMEC). To support domestic manufacturing, protecting critical minerals has ended up being a strategic priority.