Scaling Corporate Growth Across Dubai and the GCC

The sector also dealt with broader macro headwinds, consisting of a more cautious policy background in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy prices. Thematic ETFs also struggled for the a lot of part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as evaluation pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF considerably outperformed. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, showing selective allocation rather than broad market participation. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products drawing in brand-new capital. This shows that investors were targeting specific exposures, while lowering or rotating out of others.

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

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic direct exposure focused on worldwide luxury and consumer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has actually impacted belief and costs throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local properties.

How to Leverage GCC Intelligence for 2026 Growth

In spite of ongoing geopolitical tensions and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate strength, preserving favorable development momentum recently. While disputes in the broader region and international financial unpredictability remain a structural restriction, GCC countries have actually up until now restricted their effect on domestic financial performance through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and continual investment.

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 typically in 2025, showing a shift toward more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks worldwide growth easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would place the area 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

Improving ROI Using Advanced GCC Market Analysis

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as governments broaden 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, improving credit conditions, and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy measures intended at attracting foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the region's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.

3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected 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) tasks international development easing 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would position the region materially ahead of the world average and a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Leverage Market Research for 2026 Success

Information 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, 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 investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures targeted at attracting foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.