Mastering Regional Business Frameworks for Sustainable Success

The sector also faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy background in China and global risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the a lot of part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on performance.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allowance rather than broad market participation. Despite weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products attracting new capital.

Trading activity remained stable, 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 occurred in the secondary market, enabling financiers to adjust positions without substantial primary creations or redemptions. While recent geopolitical events have resulted in more financial pressure on GCC countries, the area remains resistant and well capitalized to handle the circumstance.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic exposure focused on worldwide high-end and customer brands. Momentum continued into April with the approval of KraneShares AGIX and KWIN ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX. These funds are expected to introduce in April pending a last approval from ADX.

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

Mastering Regional Corporate Strategies for Sustainable Success

Despite continuous geopolitical stress and security risks across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate strength, keeping positive development momentum in the last few years. While conflicts in the broader region and international economic uncertainty stay a structural constraint, GCC nations have actually up until now limited their impact on domestic economic efficiency through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and sustained investment.

3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development predicted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international growth alleviating 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 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, enhancing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Key Insights Within 2026 GCC Market Analysis Reports

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 increase as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is predicted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and rising financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures focused on bring in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.

3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global development 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 growth would position the region 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Strategic Planning for Middle East Excellence

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

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures focused on attracting foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are expected to play a helpful function in 2026.