Ensuring Operational Excellence in the GCC

The sector also faced wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy background in China and worldwide risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as appraisal pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

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

Trading activity stayed constant, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have actually happened in the secondary market, allowing financiers to adjust positions without substantial primary developments or redemptions. While current geopolitical events have led to more monetary pressure on GCC nations, the region remains resistant and well capitalized to handle the situation.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic exposure concentrated on worldwide luxury 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 expected to release in April pending a last approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has affected belief and prices during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.

Achieving Operational Excellence in the Middle East

Regardless of ongoing geopolitical stress and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate resilience, keeping favorable development momentum in current years. While conflicts in the broader region and worldwide financial uncertainty remain a structural restraint, GCC countries have so far restricted their influence on domestic economic efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and continual investment.

3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global growth reducing 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 put the area 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

Driving Corporate Operations Within Dubai and the GCC

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to rise as governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. 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 remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures targeted at bring in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the region's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil revenues are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.

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, showing a shift toward more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global growth 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 comparison, 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Why Does Operational Excellence Crucial for Future Growth?

Information 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 increase as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, and innovation. 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 investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps aimed at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the area's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play an encouraging function in 2026.