Strategic Strategy for Middle East Success

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 rates. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the many part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as appraisal pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF significantly outperformed. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, showing selective allowance rather than broad market participation. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products attracting new capital. This indicates that financiers were targeting specific direct exposures, while lowering or rotating out of others.

Trading activity remained steady, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, enabling financiers to adjust positions without substantial main productions or redemptions.

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

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

Ways to Utilize Market Research for 2026 Success

Despite continuous geopolitical stress and security threats throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show strength, keeping positive development momentum recently. While conflicts in the larger region and global financial unpredictability stay a structural restraint, GCC nations have up until now restricted their effect on domestic economic efficiency through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and continual investment.

3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development forecasted 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) jobs international growth alleviating 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would position the area 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Mastering GCC Business Strategies for Sustainable Operations

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 rise as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, and technology. 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, improving credit conditions, and increasing investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy measures focused on attracting foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play an encouraging function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent typically in 2025, showing a shift toward more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide development alleviating 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How to Utilize GCC Research for Success

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as governments expand 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, improving credit conditions, and rising financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures targeted at attracting foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.