Advanced Planning for GCC Leadership

The sector also faced broader macro headwinds, including a more cautious policy background in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs also had a hard time for the many part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as evaluation pressures and global rate dynamics weighed on performance.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, reflecting selective allowance rather than broad market participation. Despite weak efficiency, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of products bring in brand-new capital.

Trading activity stayed constant, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have actually taken place in the secondary market, enabling investors to adjust positions without considerable primary productions or redemptions. While recent geopolitical occasions have actually resulted in more monetary pressure on GCC nations, the region stays resilient and well capitalized to deal with the scenario.

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

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

Advanced Strategy for GCC Leadership

In spite of ongoing geopolitical tensions and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate resilience, preserving favorable development momentum in the last few years. While disputes in the broader region and worldwide financial 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 continual financial investment.

3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up 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, reflecting a shift toward more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks 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 growth would put 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 regional risk conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

Navigating GCC Corporate Frameworks for Sustainable Success

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total 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 across the GCC is projected to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, improving credit conditions, and rising financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures focused on drawing in foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a helpful 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 similarly 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 toward more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international growth alleviating 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 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.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Corporate Planning for Middle East Success

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

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures focused on bring in foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.