Driving Industrial Growth Within Dubai and the GCC

The sector likewise faced broader macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy background in China and worldwide risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs also had a hard time for the many part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as appraisal pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, reflecting selective allotment rather than broad market involvement. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of items bring in new capital.

Trading activity stayed consistent, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have happened in the secondary market, allowing financiers to change positions without considerable main developments or redemptions. While current geopolitical events have actually led to more monetary pressure on GCC countries, the region stays durable and well capitalized to handle the scenario.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic direct exposure concentrated on global high-end and consumer brand names. 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 introduce in April pending a final approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some development associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has actually affected belief and rates during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local assets.

Ways to Utilize Market Intelligence for Growth

Regardless of continuous geopolitical tensions and security risks across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show resilience, keeping positive development momentum in the last few years. While conflicts in the broader area and worldwide economic uncertainty stay a structural restraint, GCC countries have actually so far restricted their effect on domestic economic performance through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and sustained financial investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent typically in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide development easing 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would place the region materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Corporate Strategy for Middle East Success

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. 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, improving credit conditions, and rising financial investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures targeted at attracting foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the area's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks international development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would place 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Advanced Planning for Regional Leadership

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to rise 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 innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps intended at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.