Corporate Planning for Middle East Success

The sector also dealt with broader macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy backdrop in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs also had a hard time for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as evaluation pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on performance.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allocation rather than broad market involvement. Despite weak performance, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products attracting new capital.

Trading activity remained constant, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have actually taken location in the secondary market, making it possible for financiers to adjust positions without considerable main productions or redemptions.

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

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

Corporate Strategy for GCC Excellence

In spite of continuous geopolitical stress and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show resilience, preserving favorable growth momentum in the last few years. While disputes in the larger region and international economic uncertainty stay a structural restriction, GCC countries have actually up until now limited their effect on domestic financial performance through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and continual financial investment.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. 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 toward more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks international development reducing 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 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

Why Does Operational Excellence Essential for Future Expansion?

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

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy measures focused on bring in foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil incomes are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.

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, reflecting a shift towards more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks global development 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would position the region 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 regional risk conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Utilize Market Research for 2026 Growth

Data 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 federal 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 financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps focused on drawing in foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil revenues are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.