Strategic Planning for Middle East Success

The sector also dealt with wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy background in China and worldwide risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs also struggled for the a lot of part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as assessment pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF significantly exceeded. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, reflecting selective allotment rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products attracting new capital. This indicates that financiers were targeting particular exposures, while minimizing or turning out of others.

Trading activity remained constant, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have taken location in the secondary market, making it possible for investors to change positions without considerable primary creations or redemptions.

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

Q1 2026 showed some development connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has affected sentiment and rates throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local assets.

How to Leverage Market Research for Success

In spite of ongoing geopolitical stress and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate strength, keeping positive development momentum in recent years. While disputes in the wider area and worldwide economic uncertainty stay a structural restraint, GCC countries have actually up until now limited their effect on domestic financial performance through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and sustained financial investment.

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 predicted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international development alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

How Is Business Excellence Essential for 2026 Expansion?

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as governments broaden 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 stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures targeted at attracting foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the region's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil incomes are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international development relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies simply 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, strengthening the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Why Is Business Excellence Vital for Future Growth?

Information 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 rise as federal governments broaden financial 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 increasing investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps aimed at bring in foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.