Can Strategic Research Define Dubai Industrial Growth?

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 stated it was "essential to develop borders" in between work and personal life and take brief holidays to "detach" from the workplace.

Tariq Bin Hendi, CEO and Board Member of Astra tech, reacted that "the finest guidance is to continuously challenge yourself" while likewise making sure a healthy sleep and exercise routine. Mohamed Khadiri, CEO of Bank of Sharjah pointed out that to stand out and "to be near to your consumer, you need to be enthusiastic about your work and understand customers' needs". Karim Benkirane, CCO of Du, said: "If you make individuals you work with pleased, you will make the customer happy, who will then make the shareholders happy."Ambareen Musa, CEO for Revolut GCC, stated the capability to "not panic" is the key to finding an option for problems.

This week, we're assembling more than 3000 conferences between financiers and 119 Gulf-listed business with a combined value of $2.4 trillion at the HSBC GCC Exchanges Conference 2026, in London. We're bringing together investors, business, exchanges, and policymakers to discuss what is changing in the region, and what follows, including the expansion and continuous 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 financial expansion in 2026, supported by strong private-sector efficiency, resilient domestic demand and restored investment momentum, according to the most current ICAEW Economic Insight Q4 2025 report, produced by Oxford Economics. The GCC is anticipated to outperform most international regions peers next year, with local GDP projection to grow by 4.4%. Across the GCC, non-energy activity is projected to broaden by 4.1% in 2026, driven by strong labour markets, improving credit conditions and rising investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Evaluating Legacy Models and 2026 Economic Strategies

Although oil incomes will be under pressure in the first half of 2026, production is expected to increase again in the second 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 commercial expansion and policy reforms, consisting of eased foreign ownership rules that aim to promote more investment. The fiscal deficit is forecasted to expand to 5.6% of GDP next year amidst softer oil prices, while the current five-year rent freeze in Riyadh aims to relieve inflationary pressures, though it may constrain future housing 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. Tourism, trade and monetary services remain crucial growth drivers, supported by population development and continual domestic need. Dubai's economy grew 4.4% in the first half of 2025, reflecting broad-based non-oil strength.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Oil production is expected to choose up again in the 2nd half of 2026, matching ongoing investment in facilities, technology and global trade collaborations. Hanadi Khalife, the Head of Middle East, ICAEW, stated: "This quarter's outlook strengthens how far the GCC has actually can be found in structure diverse, resistant and internationally competitive economies.

Scott Livermore, ICAEW Economic Advisor, and Chief Financial Expert and Managing Director, Oxford Economics Middle East, said: "Saudi Arabia and the UAE are getting in 2026 with strong foundations. Saudi non-oil activity is getting pace, supported by robust need and rising investment, even as fiscal pressures increase.""The UAE continues to benefit from solid domestic basics, a sharp uplift in government costs and sustained diversification efforts.

Evaluating Legacy Models and Future Economic Strategies

GCC nations are rotating towards a strategy of 'strength over growth' going into 2026, as the area prepares for a global landscape specified by softer oil prices, geopolitical fragmentation, and the quick transition to an AI-enabled economy. According to a new local outlook by PwC, the GCC is relocating to insulate its development from external shocks by deepening international trade combination, securing commercial supply chains, and executing a definitive shift from technology ambition to functional implementation.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Negotiations totally free Trade Arrangements with China, the EU, and Japan are advancing, while talks with the UK have actually gotten in final preparing stages. The area is significantly positioning itself as a main center for east-west trade through the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor (IMEC). To support domestic manufacturing, protecting crucial minerals has actually ended up being a tactical top priority.