Strategic Planning for Regional Leadership

The sector likewise dealt with broader macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy background in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs likewise had a hard time for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as assessment pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF considerably surpassed. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, showing selective allocation rather than broad market participation. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of products bring in new capital. This indicates that financiers were targeting specific exposures, while decreasing or rotating out of others.

Trading activity remained stable, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have actually taken location in the secondary market, allowing investors to adjust positions without significant primary productions or redemptions.

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

Q1 2026 revealed some development associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has actually impacted belief and costs throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional assets.

Corporate Strategy for Middle East Success

In spite of ongoing geopolitical stress and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show strength, preserving positive growth momentum in recent years. While conflicts in the larger region and worldwide financial uncertainty stay a structural restraint, GCC nations have so far limited their impact on domestic financial performance through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and sustained investment.

3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing 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 slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

Corporate Strategy for Middle East Leadership

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to rise as governments expand financial investment in services, facilities, 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 rising financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy measures focused on drawing in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play an encouraging function 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 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 positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international growth easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated 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 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 danger conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Leverage GCC Intelligence for 2026 Success

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as governments broaden investment in services, facilities, and innovation. 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, enhancing credit conditions, and rising financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

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