Driving Industrial Operations Across Dubai and the GCC

The sector also dealt with broader macro headwinds, including a more careful policy background in China and worldwide risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs likewise struggled for the most part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as assessment pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, reflecting selective allowance rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products bring in brand-new capital.

Trading activity stayed consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have taken location in the secondary market, making it possible for investors to adjust positions without significant primary productions or redemptions.

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

Q1 2026 showed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has actually affected sentiment and costs during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional properties.

How Is Business Excellence Crucial for 2026 Expansion?

Despite continuous geopolitical stress and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show durability, preserving favorable development momentum in the last few years. While conflicts in the broader area and international financial unpredictability stay a structural constraint, GCC nations have so far restricted their effect on domestic financial efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and continual 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, reflecting a shift towards more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global growth easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing 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 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 consisted of and reform momentum holds.

How Does Operational Excellence Vital for 2026 Expansion?

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

Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy measures focused on bring in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a helpful role in 2026.

3.2 percent growth 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, showing a shift towards more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks international development easing 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 comparison, 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, strengthening the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Strategic Strategy for Regional Success

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to rise as federal governments broaden 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 rising financial investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps aimed at bring in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.