Corporate Planning for Regional Excellence

The sector likewise dealt with wider macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy backdrop in China and worldwide risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs also struggled for the most part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as appraisal pressures and international rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, reflecting selective allowance rather than broad market involvement. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of products bring in brand-new capital.

Trading activity remained consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, making it possible for financiers to change positions without substantial primary creations or redemptions.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic exposure focused on international luxury and customer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some progress associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has impacted belief and costs throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local properties.

Expanding Corporate Growth Within Dubai and the GCC

In spite of continuous geopolitical tensions and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show resilience, maintaining favorable development momentum over the last few years. While conflicts in the wider region and global economic uncertainty remain a structural restriction, GCC countries have actually so far restricted their impact on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and sustained financial investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF 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 positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced 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 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

How to Utilize GCC Intelligence for 2026 Success

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 increase as governments expand investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. 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 financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps intended at attracting foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are expected 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 development predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift toward more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated 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 place the area 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 risk conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How Does Business Excellence Crucial for Future Growth?

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to increase as 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, improving credit conditions, and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps targeted at bring in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.