Corporate Strategy for Middle East Excellence

The sector also faced wider macro headwinds, including a more careful policy background in China and global risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the many part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and global rate dynamics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF considerably surpassed. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, reflecting selective allowance rather than broad market involvement. Despite weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products attracting brand-new capital. This indicates that investors were targeting specific direct exposures, while lowering or turning out of others.

Trading activity stayed consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, making it possible for investors to adjust positions without significant main productions or redemptions.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic direct exposure concentrated on global luxury and customer brands. 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 launch in April pending a last approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has impacted sentiment and costs during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local possessions.

Essential Insights Within Latest Regional Market Analysis Reports

Regardless of ongoing geopolitical tensions and security dangers throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate durability, preserving favorable growth momentum in current years. While conflicts in the broader area and international financial unpredictability stay a structural constraint, GCC nations have so far limited their effect on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and continual investment.

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 development predicted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent typically in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more favorable total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international growth relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated 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 position the region materially ahead of the world average and slightly 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 remain included and reform momentum holds.

How Is Operational Excellence Crucial for Future Expansion?

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall 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 throughout 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 innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps focused on bring in foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth predicted to rise 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) projects worldwide development easing 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 expansion would place the region materially ahead of the world average and somewhat 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 remain included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Navigating GCC Corporate Strategies for Scalable Operations

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 governments broaden financial 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 rising investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures focused on drawing in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.