Advanced Planning for GCC Excellence

The sector likewise dealt with broader macro headwinds, including a more careful policy background in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy costs. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the most part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as assessment pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF substantially outperformed. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, reflecting selective allowance rather than broad market involvement. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of items attracting brand-new capital. This indicates that investors were targeting specific direct exposures, while reducing or turning out of others.

Trading activity remained stable, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, allowing financiers to change positions without significant main productions or redemptions.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic direct exposure concentrated on international luxury and customer 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 launch in April pending a final approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some development connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has impacted belief and costs throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.

Strategic Strategy for Regional Success

In spite of continuous geopolitical tensions and security dangers throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show durability, maintaining positive growth momentum in the last few years. While disputes in the wider region and global economic unpredictability stay a structural restriction, GCC nations have up until now limited their influence on domestic financial efficiency 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 predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide development alleviating 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position the region materially ahead of the world average and a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Essential Tips for Optimizing Dubai Sector Growth

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 continued to rise as governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, 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, enhancing credit conditions, and rising financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures aimed at bring in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development 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) jobs global development relieving 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 a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How Is Operational Excellence Vital for 2026 Growth?

Data 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 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 financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps targeted at bring in foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.