Corporate Strategy for GCC Excellence

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

The petrochemical ETF substantially exceeded. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allotment rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products drawing in new capital. This shows that financiers were targeting specific direct exposures, while decreasing or rotating out of others.

Trading activity stayed steady, 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 actually taken place in the secondary market, making it possible for investors to adjust positions without substantial primary productions or redemptions.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic direct exposure concentrated on global luxury and consumer brand names. Momentum continued into April with the approval of KraneShares AGIX and KWIN ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX. These funds are anticipated to release in April pending a final approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some development connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the conflict has actually affected sentiment and rates during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local properties.

Advanced Planning for Middle East Success

Regardless of continuous geopolitical tensions and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate strength, maintaining positive growth momentum recently. While conflicts in the broader area and international economic uncertainty remain a structural restraint, GCC nations have up until now limited their effect on domestic financial performance through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and sustained investment.

3.2 percent development 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, reflecting a shift toward more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks international growth relieving 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put the area 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Corporate Planning for Middle East Leadership

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 federal governments broaden 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 investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures focused on bring in foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth predicted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent typically in 2025, showing a shift toward more favorable total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would position the area 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Utilize GCC Intelligence for Growth

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of total 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 across 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 facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures focused on attracting foreign direct investment, reducing 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 control the development outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.