Scaling Corporate Operations Within Dubai and the GCC

The sector likewise faced broader macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy backdrop in China and worldwide risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the most part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as assessment pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on performance.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allocation rather than broad market participation. Despite weak efficiency, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of products drawing in brand-new capital.

Trading activity stayed constant, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have actually taken place in the secondary market, allowing investors to adjust positions without significant main productions or redemptions.

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

Q1 2026 revealed some development connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has impacted belief and rates throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local assets.

Key Trends in the Future Middle East Market

Despite continuous geopolitical tensions and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate strength, preserving positive growth momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the larger area and international economic uncertainty stay a structural restriction, GCC countries 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, projects 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating 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 toward more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global growth alleviating 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 growth would position the region 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 local danger conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

Why Is Operational Excellence Crucial for 2026 Growth?

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures targeted at attracting foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks worldwide growth alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies just above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would put 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 stay contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Maximizing ROI Using Data-Driven Middle East Market Intelligence

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal 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, facilities, and technology. 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, improving credit conditions, and rising financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures intended at drawing in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil incomes are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.