Advanced Strategy for GCC Excellence

The sector likewise dealt with broader macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy background in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the most part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on performance.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, reflecting selective allowance rather than broad market involvement. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of items drawing in brand-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. Many activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, making it possible for investors to adjust positions without considerable primary productions or redemptions.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic exposure concentrated on worldwide 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 launch in April pending a last approval from ADX.

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

Driving Corporate Growth Across Dubai and the GCC

Regardless of continuous geopolitical stress and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show durability, preserving positive development momentum in current years. While conflicts in the broader region and international financial uncertainty remain a structural constraint, GCC nations have actually so far restricted their impact on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy connection, and sustained financial investment.

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

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international development easing 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 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

Strategic Strategy for Middle East Leadership

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of total 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 across 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 innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted at attracting foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more favorable total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global development relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative 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 slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Advanced Planning for Regional Leadership

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 rise as governments broaden 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 increasing financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures intended at drawing in foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil profits are expected to play a helpful role in 2026.