All Categories
Featured
Table of Contents
The sector also faced wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy backdrop in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the a lot of part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as valuation pressures and global rate dynamics weighed on performance.
The petrochemical ETF substantially outshined. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, reflecting selective allowance rather than broad market involvement. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of products drawing in brand-new capital. This suggests that investors were targeting specific direct exposures, while lowering or turning out of others.
Trading activity stayed stable, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, allowing financiers to adjust positions without considerable primary productions or redemptions.
In January, Boreas released its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on worldwide luxury and customer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.
Q1 2026 revealed some progress connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has actually impacted sentiment and costs throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional 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 demonstrate resilience, maintaining favorable development momentum recently. While conflicts in the broader area and international financial unpredictability remain a structural constraint, GCC countries have so far restricted their effect on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and continual 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 likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent typically in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive general conditions.
Comparing Industrial Strategy Models across the GCCThe IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global growth easing 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 place the region materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.
Data 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 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, improving credit conditions, and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.
Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures targeted at bring in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.
3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift toward more positive general conditions.
The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide development 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 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently 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 throughout the GCC is projected to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and rising investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.
Comparing Industrial Strategy Models across the GCCPublic-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted at bring 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 region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits are expected to play a helpful role in 2026.
Latest Posts
Ways to Utilize Market Research for 2026 Success

Can Market Analytics Drive Dubai Corporate Success?

Will Dubai Lead Industrial Growth through 2026?