Ways to Utilize Market Research for Growth

The sector also dealt with wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy background in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the most part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as appraisal pressures and international rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF considerably exceeded. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allotment instead of broad market participation. Regardless of weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of products attracting new capital. This suggests that financiers were targeting particular exposures, while minimizing or turning out of others.

Trading activity stayed stable, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have taken location in the secondary market, allowing investors to adjust positions without considerable primary developments or redemptions.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic direct exposure focused on worldwide luxury and consumer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some progress relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has actually affected sentiment and prices during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local properties.

Corporate Planning for Middle East Excellence

In spite of ongoing geopolitical tensions and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate strength, maintaining favorable development momentum recently. While disputes in the wider area and global financial uncertainty stay a structural restriction, GCC countries have so far limited their influence on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and sustained investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to increase 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) tasks global 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 growth would position 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Navigating the 2026 Regional Economic Landscape for Leaders

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to rise as governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. 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 financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted at attracting foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the area's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.

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 forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global growth easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated 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 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Comparing Modern Strategies Versus Legacy Business

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. 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 financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps intended at attracting foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the area's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.