Navigating the Upcoming Regional Business Landscape for Executives

The sector likewise dealt with wider macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy background in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the a lot of part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as appraisal pressures and global rate dynamics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF substantially outperformed. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, reflecting selective allotment rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of products bring in brand-new capital. This shows that investors were targeting particular exposures, while decreasing or turning out of others.

Trading activity stayed consistent, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have actually taken location in the secondary market, making it possible for financiers to adjust positions without substantial main developments or redemptions.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic exposure focused on worldwide high-end and consumer 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 dispute has impacted belief and rates throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local possessions.

How to Leverage Market Intelligence for 2026 Growth

Regardless of continuous geopolitical stress and security threats throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show resilience, keeping favorable development momentum over the last few years. While conflicts in the broader area and global economic unpredictability remain a structural constraint, GCC countries have actually so far restricted their effect on domestic economic efficiency through strong financial positions, policy connection, and sustained investment.

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

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international growth alleviating 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 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

Why Is Operational Excellence Essential for 2026 Growth?

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 increase as federal governments broaden 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 increasing investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures focused on drawing in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil earnings are expected to play an encouraging role 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 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 positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global development relieving 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 growth 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 danger conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Boosting ROI Via Modern Middle East Market Intelligence

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as federal governments expand investment in services, facilities, and innovation. 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 innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

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