Essential Insights Within 2026 Regional Market Research Reports

The sector likewise dealt with broader macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy background in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the a lot of part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as appraisal pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF substantially exceeded. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allotment instead of broad market participation. Despite weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of items bring in brand-new capital. This suggests that financiers were targeting specific direct exposures, while reducing or rotating out of others.

Trading activity remained steady, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, allowing investors to change positions without substantial primary developments or redemptions.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on international high-end and customer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some progress connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has actually affected sentiment and prices during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local possessions.

Expanding Industrial Growth Across Dubai and the GCC

Regardless of ongoing geopolitical stress and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show durability, maintaining positive development momentum in current years. While conflicts in the wider region and global economic uncertainty remain a structural restriction, GCC countries have up until now restricted their effect on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual investment.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. 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 favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks worldwide growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced 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 put 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 contained and reform momentum holds.

Why Does Business Excellence Essential for 2026 Growth?

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

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps aimed at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil revenues are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up 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 usually in 2025, showing a shift toward more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide growth alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced 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 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Why Is Business Excellence Crucial for 2026 Expansion?

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as federal governments broaden investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is predicted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps aimed at attracting foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the area's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits are expected to play a helpful function in 2026.