Strategic Planning for Middle East Excellence

The sector also dealt with wider macro headwinds, including a more careful policy background in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs likewise struggled for the many part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as appraisal pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, reflecting selective allocation rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of products bring in brand-new capital.

Trading activity stayed steady, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have actually taken location in the secondary market, enabling financiers to change positions without significant main developments or redemptions.

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

Q1 2026 showed some progress connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has actually impacted belief and prices throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local possessions.

Crucial Findings From Latest GCC Market Research Reports

In spite of ongoing geopolitical tensions and security dangers throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate resilience, keeping favorable growth momentum in the last few years. While conflicts in the larger area and worldwide financial uncertainty remain a structural constraint, GCC countries have actually so far limited their impact on domestic financial efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and continual investment.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. 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 towards more favorable total conditions.

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

Why Is Operational Excellence Vital for Future Expansion?

Information 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 expand investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is forecasted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the area's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil incomes are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. 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 toward more favorable total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Corporate Planning for Middle East Excellence

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 governments expand financial investment in services, facilities, and innovation. 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 facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures aimed at bring in foreign direct financial investment, reducing 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 price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil revenues are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.