Key Steps for Operational Excellence in Dubai

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 said it was "important to build limits" in between work and individual life and take brief vacations to "detach" from the workplace.

Tariq Bin Hendi, CEO and Board Member of Astra tech, reacted that "the very best guidance is to constantly challenge yourself" while also guaranteeing a healthy sleep and workout routine. Mohamed Khadiri, CEO of Bank of Sharjah pointed out that to stand out and "to be near your client, you have to be passionate about your work and comprehend clients' needs". Karim Benkirane, CCO of Du, stated: "If you make the people you work with pleased, you will make the customer happy, who will then make the investors happy."Ambareen Musa, CEO for Revolut GCC, stated the ability to "not worry" is the crucial to discovering a service for problems.

Today, we're convening more than 3000 conferences in between financiers 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 investors, business, exchanges, and policymakers to discuss what is altering in the area, and what follows, consisting of the expansion and ongoing development of the Gulf's capital markets, and the area's growing role in global 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 performance, durable domestic need and renewed investment momentum, according to the current ICAEW Economic Insight Q4 2025 report, produced by Oxford Economics. The GCC is expected to outperform most global regions peers next year, with regional GDP projection to grow by 4.4%. Across the GCC, non-energy activity is projected to expand 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+

Reviewing New GCC Research for Future Growth

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

Development will be supported by commercial growth and policy reforms, including reduced foreign ownership rules that intend to promote more investment. The fiscal deficit is predicted to expand to 5.6% of GDP next year amidst softer oil prices, while the current five-year lease freeze in Riyadh intends to alleviate inflationary pressures, though it may constrain future housing supply.

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

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Oil production is anticipated to pick up once again in the second half of 2026, matching continuous investment in facilities, technology and international trade partnerships. Hanadi Khalife, the Head of Middle East, ICAEW, said: "This quarter's outlook strengthens how far the GCC has actually come in structure varied, resilient and globally competitive economies.

Scott Livermore, ICAEW Economic Advisor, and Chief Financial Expert and Handling Director, Oxford Economics Middle East, said: "Saudi Arabia and the UAE are entering 2026 with strong structures. Saudi non-oil activity is getting pace, supported by robust demand and rising investment, even as fiscal pressures increase.""The UAE continues to take advantage of solid domestic basics, a sharp uplift in government spending and continual diversification efforts.

Predicting the Next Middle East Business Environment

GCC countries are rotating towards a technique of 'resilience over expansion' getting in 2026, as the region gets ready for an international landscape specified by softer oil costs, geopolitical fragmentation, and the rapid transition to an AI-enabled economy. According to a new regional outlook by PwC, the GCC is relocating to insulate its development from external shocks by deepening worldwide trade combination, securing industrial supply chains, and executing a definitive shift from technology ambition to functional execution.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Negotiations totally free Trade Contracts with China, the EU, and Japan are advancing, while talks with the UK have gotten in last preparing phases. The region is progressively positioning itself as a central center for east-west trade through the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Passage (IMEC). To support domestic production, protecting crucial minerals has actually become a strategic priority.