Advanced Strategy for GCC Leadership

The sector likewise dealt with wider macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy background in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the most part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as appraisal pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, reflecting selective allowance rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of products attracting new capital.

Trading activity remained consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, enabling investors to change positions without considerable main productions or redemptions.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic direct exposure focused on global luxury and customer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some progress connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the conflict has actually impacted belief and rates throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.

Corporate Planning for Middle East Excellence

Despite ongoing geopolitical stress and security risks across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate strength, maintaining positive development momentum in current years. While disputes in the wider area and global economic unpredictability remain a structural restriction, GCC countries have up until now restricted their effect on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy connection, and sustained investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF 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 positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks international development relieving 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would put the region 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 risk conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

Leading the Upcoming GCC Economic Landscape for Leaders

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to rise as federal governments expand 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 increasing investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform stay 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 dominate the development outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift toward more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put 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 local risk conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ensuring Strategic Excellence in the Middle East

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 governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, 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, improving credit conditions, and rising investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps aimed at bring in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion 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 function in 2026.