How Does Operational Excellence Vital for 2026 Expansion?

The sector also faced broader macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy backdrop in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy prices. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as assessment pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, showing selective allocation rather than broad market participation. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of items drawing in brand-new capital.

Trading activity stayed constant, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have taken location in the secondary market, allowing investors to adjust positions without significant main developments or redemptions.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic direct exposure concentrated on international 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 release in April pending a last approval from ADX.

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

Corporate Planning for Regional Leadership

Regardless of ongoing geopolitical stress and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate strength, keeping positive growth momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the wider area and global financial unpredictability remain a structural restraint, GCC nations have up until now restricted their influence on domestic financial efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and sustained investment.

3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up 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 favorable general 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 comparison, 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, reinforcing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

How Does Operational Excellence Vital for Future Growth?

Data 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 rise as federal governments broaden financial 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, enhancing credit conditions, and rising financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps aimed at attracting foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 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 worldwide development easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would position 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 stay included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Driving Industrial Growth Across Dubai and the GCC

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to increase as federal governments expand investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. 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 increasing financial investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps focused on attracting foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.