Can Strategic Research Define Middle East Industrial Growth?

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 Creator of Snoonu stated it was "crucial to build boundaries" in between work and individual life and take brief vacations to "disconnect" from the office.

Tariq Bin Hendi, CEO and Board Member of Astra tech, reacted that "the finest recommendations is to constantly 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 have to be passionate about your work and comprehend clients' requirements". Karim Benkirane, CCO of Du, said: "If you make individuals you deal with happy, you will make the customer happy, who will then make the shareholders happy."Ambareen Musa, CEO for Revolut GCC, said the ability to "not panic" is the essential to finding a service for issues.

Today, we're convening more than 3000 meetings in 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 bringing together financiers, business, exchanges, and policymakers to discuss what is altering in the region, and what follows, consisting of the growth and ongoing advancement of the Gulf's capital markets, and the region's growing role in international 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, durable domestic need and restored investment momentum, according to the most recent ICAEW Economic Insight Q4 2025 report, produced by Oxford Economics. The GCC is expected to surpass most global areas peers next year, with local GDP forecast to grow by 4.4%. Throughout the GCC, non-energy activity is projected 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+

Industrial Excellence: a Key Driver for 2026 Growth

Although oil earnings will be under pressure in the very first half of 2026, production is expected to increase once 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 projection to grow 4.3% in 2026.

Development will be supported by commercial expansion and policy reforms, consisting of alleviated foreign ownership guidelines that intend to stimulate more financial investment. The financial deficit is predicted to widen to 5.6% of GDP next year in the middle of softer oil costs, while the current five-year rent freeze in Riyadh intends to ease inflationary pressures, though it might constrain future real estate supply.

Strong domestic fundamentalsThe UAE is also positioned for another strong year of efficiency, with GDP projection to rise 5.6% in 2026 as non-oil sectors continue to expand. Tourist, trade and monetary services remain key growth drivers, 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 anticipated to get again in the 2nd half of 2026, matching continuous investment in infrastructure, innovation and global trade partnerships. Hanadi Khalife, the Head of Middle East, ICAEW, stated: "This quarter's outlook enhances how far the GCC has can be found in structure diverse, resistant and worldwide competitive economies.

Scott Livermore, ICAEW Economic Advisor, and Chief Economist 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 speed, supported by robust demand and rising investment, even as fiscal pressures increase.""The UAE continues to take advantage of strong domestic basics, a sharp uplift in government spending and sustained diversification efforts.

Reviewing New GCC Data for Strategic Growth

GCC countries are rotating towards a method of 'strength over expansion' going into 2026, as the area gets ready for an international landscape defined by softer oil costs, geopolitical fragmentation, and the rapid shift 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 global trade integration, securing commercial supply chains, and executing a decisive shift from innovation aspiration to operational application.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Negotiations totally free Trade Contracts with China, the EU, and Japan are advancing, while talks with the UK have gone into final preparing phases. The area is significantly placing itself as a central hub for east-west trade through the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor (IMEC). To support domestic production, protecting vital minerals has actually ended up being a strategic priority.