Emerging Strategic Trends Shaping the 2026 GCC Economy

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 Founder of Snoonu said it was "crucial to build limits" between work and individual life and take brief 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 likewise making sure a healthy sleep and workout regimen. Mohamed Khadiri, CEO of Bank of Sharjah explained that to stand out and "to be near to your client, you need to be enthusiastic about your work and comprehend consumers' needs". Karim Benkirane, CCO of Du, stated: "If you make individuals you deal with happy, you will make the client delighted, who will then make the shareholders happy."Ambareen Musa, CEO for Revolut GCC, stated the capability to "not stress" is the crucial to discovering a service for problems.

This week, we're assembling 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 combining investors, business, exchanges, and policymakers to discuss what is altering in the region, and what follows, consisting of the expansion and continuous development of the Gulf's capital markets, and the area's growing function in global networks of capital and trade.

Saudi Arabia and UAE are poised to lead the Gulf region's financial expansion in 2026, supported by strong private-sector performance, resistant domestic demand and renewed investment momentum, according to the current ICAEW Economic Insight Q4 2025 report, produced by Oxford Economics. The GCC is anticipated to exceed most international areas peers next year, with local GDP forecast to grow by 4.4%. Throughout the GCC, non-energy activity is projected to expand 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+

Essential Tips for Industrial Excellence in Dubai

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

Growth will be supported by industrial growth and policy reforms, including reduced foreign ownership rules that intend to stimulate more financial investment. The financial deficit is projected to widen to 5.6% of GDP next year in the middle of softer oil rates, while the current five-year lease freeze in Riyadh intends to ease inflationary pressures, though it may constrain future housing supply.

Strong domestic fundamentalsThe UAE is likewise placed for another strong year of performance, with GDP forecast to increase 5.6% in 2026 as non-oil sectors continue to expand. Tourist, trade and monetary services stay essential development motorists, supported by population growth and continual domestic demand. Dubai's economy grew 4.4% in the very first half of 2025, reflecting broad-based non-oil strength.

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Oil production is anticipated to choose up once again in the second half of 2026, matching ongoing financial investment in infrastructure, technology and global trade partnerships. Hanadi Khalife, the Head of Middle East, ICAEW, said: "This quarter's outlook strengthens how far the GCC has can be found in building diverse, resistant and worldwide competitive economies.

Scott Livermore, ICAEW Economic Consultant, and Chief Financial Expert 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 benefit from solid domestic fundamentals, a sharp uplift in government costs and sustained diversification efforts.

How to Maintain a Competitive Advantage in 2026

GCC countries are rotating towards a technique of 'strength over growth' entering 2026, as the area gets ready for an international landscape defined by softer oil prices, geopolitical fragmentation, and the quick shift to an AI-enabled economy. According to a new local outlook by PwC, the GCC is moving to insulate its development from external shocks by deepening global trade integration, securing commercial supply chains, and carrying out a definitive shift from technology ambition to functional application.

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Negotiations totally free Trade Contracts with China, the EU, and Japan are advancing, while talks with the UK have entered final drafting phases. The region is significantly positioning itself as a main hub for east-west trade through the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor (IMEC). To support domestic production, securing crucial minerals has actually become a tactical top priority.