All Categories
Featured
Table of Contents
The sector likewise dealt with more comprehensive macro headwinds, including a more cautious policy backdrop in China and worldwide risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the many part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and international rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.
Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allocation rather than broad market involvement. In spite of weak performance, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of items attracting new capital.
Trading activity stayed steady, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have happened in the secondary market, allowing investors to adjust positions without significant main developments or redemptions. While current geopolitical occasions have actually led to more financial pressure on GCC countries, the region stays resilient and well capitalized to deal with the scenario.
In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic exposure focused on global high-end 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 anticipated to introduce in April pending a final approval from ADX.
Q1 2026 showed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has actually impacted belief and prices throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local possessions.
In spite of continuous geopolitical tensions and security threats throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show resilience, preserving positive growth momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the larger area and international financial uncertainty remain a structural constraint, GCC countries have actually up until now restricted their effect on domestic financial efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and continual investment.
The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more favorable total conditions.
The Benefits of Industrial Growth for DubaiThe IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks worldwide growth relieving 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 place the region 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.
Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as governments expand 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 facilities.
Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted 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 decrease the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.
3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to rise 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 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 position 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 danger conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

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 continued to increase as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, 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 increasing investment in technology and AI-related facilities.
The Benefits of Industrial Growth for DubaiPublic-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures focused on drawing in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a helpful role in 2026.
Latest Posts

Leveraging Market Research to Effectively Drive Strategic Growth

Corporate Strategy for GCC Excellence

Ways to Leverage Market Research for 2026 Success