How to Leverage GCC Research for Success

The sector also faced wider macro headwinds, including a more cautious policy backdrop in China and worldwide risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy costs. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the most part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as evaluation 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. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of products drawing in new capital.

Trading activity remained stable, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have happened in the secondary market, making it possible for investors to adjust positions without substantial main developments or redemptions. While recent geopolitical events have actually resulted in more financial pressure on GCC countries, the region stays durable and well capitalized to handle the scenario.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic exposure focused on global high-end 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 expected to introduce in April pending a last approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some development connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has impacted belief and rates throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional properties.

Driving Corporate Operations Within Dubai and the GCC

Despite ongoing geopolitical stress and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show strength, keeping favorable development momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the wider region and global economic uncertainty stay a structural constraint, GCC nations have actually so far limited their influence on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and continual financial investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up 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 towards more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks worldwide development easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would put 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 regional risk conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

Why Is Business Excellence Essential for Future Growth?

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall 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 forecasted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and rising investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy measures intended at attracting foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the area's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a helpful function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development predicted to rise 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 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 place 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 local threat conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Advanced Planning for GCC Leadership

Information 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 federal governments broaden financial 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 rising financial investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil incomes are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.