Advanced Planning for Middle East Leadership

The sector likewise dealt with broader macro headwinds, consisting of a more cautious policy background in China and worldwide risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy costs. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the a lot of part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as assessment pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on performance.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, showing selective allotment rather than broad market participation. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of products bring in brand-new capital.

Trading activity remained consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have taken location in the secondary market, enabling financiers to change positions without significant main productions or redemptions.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic exposure focused on global high-end and customer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

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

Corporate Planning for GCC Leadership

Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show strength, maintaining favorable development momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the wider region and international financial uncertainty stay a structural constraint, GCC nations have actually so far restricted their effect on domestic financial efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and continual financial investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating 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, reflecting a shift towards more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global growth alleviating 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 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, enhancing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

How Is Business Excellence Crucial for 2026 Expansion?

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to increase as governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, 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 investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures aimed at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the region's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a helpful role in 2026.

3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up 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 toward more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks worldwide development relieving 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 expansion would place 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Leverage Market Intelligence for 2026 Success

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 broaden investment in services, infrastructure, 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, improving credit conditions, and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures focused on drawing 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 area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.