Corporate Strategy for Regional Excellence

The sector likewise dealt with wider macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy backdrop in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy prices. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as valuation pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allotment rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products attracting new capital.

Trading activity stayed stable, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have actually taken place in the secondary market, making it possible for financiers to change positions without substantial main developments or redemptions.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic direct exposure concentrated on worldwide luxury and consumer brands. 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 showed some progress connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has impacted sentiment and prices throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional properties.

Maximizing ROI Through Data-Driven Middle East Market Analysis

Despite ongoing geopolitical stress and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show durability, keeping positive development momentum recently. While disputes in the wider region and worldwide financial unpredictability remain a structural restraint, GCC nations have so far limited their effect on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and sustained financial investment.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. 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 positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international development 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 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Key Developments in the Future Middle East Market

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as federal governments broaden investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is projected 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 measures targeted at drawing in foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the region's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output development predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent usually in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide growth reducing 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, enhancing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Scaling Corporate Growth Across Dubai and the GCC

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent 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 forecasted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, improving credit conditions, and rising financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps targeted at drawing in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil incomes are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.