Expanding Industrial Growth Within Dubai and the GCC

The sector also dealt with wider macro headwinds, including a more cautious policy backdrop in China and worldwide risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the many part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as appraisal pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF considerably outshined. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allocation rather than broad market involvement. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of items bring in brand-new capital. This indicates that investors were targeting specific direct exposures, while lowering or turning out of others.

Trading activity remained consistent, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have actually happened in the secondary market, enabling investors to adjust positions without substantial primary creations or redemptions. While current geopolitical events have actually led to more monetary pressure on GCC countries, the area stays resilient and well capitalized to deal with the scenario.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic exposure focused on global high-end and consumer brands. Momentum continued into April with the approval of KraneShares AGIX and KWIN ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX. These funds are anticipated to launch in April pending a last approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some progress relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has actually affected belief and rates during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.

Advanced Planning for Middle East Excellence

Despite continuous geopolitical tensions and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate resilience, maintaining favorable development momentum in the last few years. While disputes in the broader area and worldwide financial uncertainty remain a structural constraint, GCC nations have actually so far limited their influence on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual financial investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks global development easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position the area materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

How to Leverage GCC Research for 2026 Success

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to rise as governments broaden investment in services, facilities, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is projected to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, improving credit conditions, and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps aimed at attracting foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a supportive function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output development forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent usually in 2025, showing a shift toward more favorable total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks international development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would place the region materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Corporate Planning for Middle East Leadership

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is projected to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and rising investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps targeted at attracting foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil revenues are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.