Advanced Strategy for GCC Success

The sector also dealt with wider macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy backdrop in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the a lot of part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as evaluation pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF substantially outperformed. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, showing selective allotment instead of broad market participation. Regardless of weak efficiency, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products attracting new capital. This indicates that financiers were targeting particular direct exposures, while lowering or rotating out of others.

Trading activity remained steady, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have actually taken location in the secondary market, enabling financiers to adjust positions without considerable main creations or redemptions.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic exposure focused on global luxury and customer 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 expected to release in April pending a last approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some progress associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has impacted sentiment and rates during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional assets.

Scaling Industrial Growth Within Dubai and the GCC

Despite continuous geopolitical stress and security threats throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate resilience, maintaining favorable growth momentum recently. While conflicts in the wider area and international financial unpredictability stay a structural constraint, GCC nations have up until now limited their effect on domestic economic performance through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual investment.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift toward more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would place the region materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

Managing the Upcoming GCC Economic Environment for Leaders

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

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures targeted at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks global growth alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated 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 region materially ahead of the world average and a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Leading the Upcoming GCC Business Environment for Executives

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to increase as federal governments expand 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 technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures targeted at drawing in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits are expected to play a helpful role in 2026.