How to Leverage Market Research for 2026 Success

The sector likewise dealt with wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more cautious policy backdrop in China and worldwide risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy costs. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the most part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as evaluation pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF substantially outshined. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, showing selective allocation instead of broad market participation. Despite weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of items attracting new capital. This shows that financiers were targeting particular direct exposures, while reducing or turning out of others.

Trading activity remained stable, 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 occurred in the secondary market, enabling investors to change positions without considerable main creations or redemptions. While recent geopolitical occasions have actually resulted in more financial pressure on GCC countries, the area stays resistant and well capitalized to deal with the situation.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic direct exposure focused on international luxury and customer 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 launch in April pending a final 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 conflict has impacted belief and costs during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional properties.

Expanding Industrial Operations Within Dubai and the GCC

Regardless of ongoing geopolitical tensions and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate strength, maintaining positive development momentum recently. While conflicts in the broader region and global financial uncertainty remain a structural restraint, GCC countries have actually up until now restricted their influence on domestic economic performance through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and sustained financial investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift toward more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide development alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would place the region materially ahead of the world average and somewhat 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 consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Why Does Operational Excellence Vital 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 increase as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps focused on bring in foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.

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

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks worldwide development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies just above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put the region materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Utilize GCC Intelligence for 2026 Success

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 increase as governments expand investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. 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, enhancing credit conditions, and rising financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures targeted at drawing in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a supportive function in 2026.