How Does Operational Excellence Crucial for Future Growth?

The sector also dealt with broader macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy backdrop in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the most part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as assessment pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, reflecting selective allowance rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products bring in new capital.

Trading activity remained consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have actually taken location in the secondary market, enabling financiers to change positions without significant primary creations or redemptions.

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

Q1 2026 showed some progress relating to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has actually affected sentiment and prices throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local assets.

Corporate Strategy for Middle East Leadership

Regardless of ongoing geopolitical stress and security threats throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate strength, keeping positive growth momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the larger area and international financial uncertainty stay a structural restraint, GCC nations have up until now limited their effect on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and continual financial 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 Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development predicted to increase 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) tasks worldwide growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put the region materially ahead of the world average and slightly 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.

Leading the Upcoming Regional Economic Landscape for Executives

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as governments expand financial investment in services, facilities, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is predicted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures targeted at drawing in foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift toward more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks global growth easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How to Leverage GCC Research for Success

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to increase as federal governments expand 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 innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures focused on bring in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the region's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.