Scaling Corporate Operations Across Dubai and the GCC

The sector also dealt with more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more cautious policy backdrop in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the a lot of part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as appraisal pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF substantially outperformed. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, showing selective allotment rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of items bring in new capital. This suggests that investors were targeting specific direct exposures, while reducing or rotating 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. Many activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, making it possible for financiers to adjust positions without considerable primary creations or redemptions.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on global 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 final approval from ADX.

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

Corporate Strategy for Middle East Excellence

Despite continuous geopolitical stress and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate durability, keeping positive growth momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the broader area and worldwide economic unpredictability stay a structural constraint, GCC countries have so far limited their effect on domestic economic efficiency through strong financial positions, policy connection, and sustained investment.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating 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 total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks global development easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would put the region materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

Achieving Operational Excellence in the Middle East

Data 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 governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is projected 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 central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures 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 decrease the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play a supportive function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly 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 total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks international development relieving 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 growth would place the area materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Advanced Strategy for GCC Success

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to rise as governments expand 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 rising investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures intended at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.