Strategic Planning for Middle East Excellence

The sector also dealt with wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy background in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs likewise struggled for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as appraisal pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF substantially outshined. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, showing selective allocation instead of broad market participation. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of products drawing in brand-new capital. This suggests that investors were targeting specific exposures, while minimizing or rotating out of others.

Trading activity remained constant, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have actually happened in the secondary market, making it possible for financiers to change positions without considerable primary productions or redemptions. While recent geopolitical events have led to more financial pressure on GCC nations, the area remains resistant and well capitalized to handle the circumstance.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic direct exposure focused on international luxury and customer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some progress connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has impacted belief and prices throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional assets.

Why Is Operational Excellence Essential for Future Expansion?

In spite of ongoing geopolitical tensions and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate strength, keeping positive development momentum recently. While disputes in the larger area and international financial unpredictability stay a structural constraint, GCC nations have up until now restricted their influence on domestic financial performance through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and continual investment.

3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. 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 towards more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put 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.

Strategic Strategy for Middle East Success

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as governments expand investment in services, facilities, and innovation. 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, enhancing credit conditions, and rising investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps aimed at drawing in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.

3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development predicted to rise 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) jobs global development alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative 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 place the area materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Scaling Corporate Growth Within Dubai and the GCC

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as federal governments expand 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps targeted at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play an encouraging function in 2026.