Advanced Planning for Middle East Leadership

The sector likewise faced broader macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy background in China and global risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs likewise had a hard time for the a lot of part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF substantially surpassed. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, showing selective allocation instead of broad market involvement. In spite of weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of products drawing in new capital. This shows that investors were targeting particular direct exposures, while reducing or rotating out of others.

Trading activity stayed steady, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, enabling investors to adjust positions without considerable main creations or redemptions.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic exposure focused on global luxury and consumer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some progress associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the conflict has affected sentiment and prices during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.

Scaling Industrial Growth Within Dubai and the GCC

Regardless of ongoing geopolitical stress and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate resilience, maintaining favorable development momentum in recent years. While disputes in the wider area and global economic unpredictability remain a structural restraint, GCC nations have actually up until now restricted their influence on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and sustained financial investment.

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

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international growth easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth 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 risk conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

Why Is Operational Excellence Essential for 2026 Growth?

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 increase as federal governments broaden 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, improving credit conditions, and rising financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps intended at bring in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues 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 growth projected 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) projects worldwide growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing 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 somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How to Leverage Market Research for 2026 Growth

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to increase as federal governments broaden investment in services, facilities, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is forecasted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, improving credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted at attracting foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a supportive function in 2026.