Key Insights From Latest Regional Market Research Reports

The sector likewise faced broader macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy background in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs likewise struggled for the most part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as appraisal pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, reflecting selective allotment rather than broad market involvement. Despite weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of items drawing in new capital.

Trading activity stayed constant, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have occurred in the secondary market, enabling investors to change positions without substantial main developments or redemptions. While current geopolitical events have actually led to more financial pressure on GCC nations, the region remains resistant and well capitalized to deal with the scenario.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic direct exposure focused on international luxury and customer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some progress associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has affected belief and prices during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.

Leading the 2026 Regional Economic Landscape for Executives

Despite ongoing geopolitical stress and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate durability, preserving favorable development momentum recently. While conflicts in the larger region and international financial uncertainty stay a structural constraint, GCC nations have actually so far limited their influence on domestic economic efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and continual investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent usually in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more favorable total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide growth easing 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 comparison, 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, strengthening the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

Ensuring Operational Excellence in the GCC

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is predicted 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 remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures focused on bring in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the area's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more favorable 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 simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would put the region 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Expanding Corporate Growth Across Dubai and the GCC

Data 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 increase as governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is predicted 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 stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures intended at bring in foreign direct financial investment, easing 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 earnings are anticipated to play a supportive function in 2026.