Ways to Utilize Market Research for 2026 Success

The sector also faced wider macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy backdrop in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs likewise struggled for the most part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as assessment pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF substantially exceeded. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, showing selective allowance rather than broad market involvement. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of products bring in brand-new capital. This shows that financiers were targeting particular exposures, while reducing or turning 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. Many activity appears to have actually occurred in the secondary market, allowing financiers to change positions without considerable primary creations or redemptions. While current geopolitical occasions have led to more financial pressure on GCC nations, the area remains resistant and well capitalized to deal with the scenario.

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

Q1 2026 revealed some development associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has affected belief and prices throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional assets.

Managing the Upcoming GCC Economic Landscape for Executives

In spite of ongoing geopolitical tensions and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show resilience, maintaining positive growth momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the broader area and global financial unpredictability remain a structural constraint, GCC nations have actually up until now restricted their effect on domestic financial efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and sustained investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 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 rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks international development alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative 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 put the area materially ahead of the world average and a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

Driving Corporate Operations Across Dubai and the GCC

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

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures aimed at drawing in foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits 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 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 IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks worldwide development reducing 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 expansion would put 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How to Leverage Market Research for Success

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

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures targeted at bring in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.