Corporate Planning for Middle East Success

The sector likewise dealt with more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more cautious policy backdrop in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs likewise struggled for the many part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as appraisal pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF significantly exceeded. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allotment instead of broad market participation. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of products drawing in new capital. This suggests that investors were targeting particular direct exposures, while minimizing or turning out of others.

Trading activity stayed consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have actually taken place in the secondary market, making it possible for investors to change positions without considerable primary productions or redemptions.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic direct exposure concentrated on worldwide high-end and customer brand names. Momentum continued into April with the approval of KraneShares AGIX and KWIN ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX. These funds are anticipated to launch in April pending a last approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some development associating with ETFs in the GCC. We expect more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has affected sentiment and prices during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local possessions.

Strategic Strategy for GCC Success

Despite continuous geopolitical stress and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate resilience, preserving favorable development momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the larger region and worldwide financial unpredictability remain a structural restriction, GCC nations have actually so far limited their influence on domestic economic efficiency through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 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 increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift toward more favorable total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global development relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies just above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would place the region materially ahead of the world average and a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

Strategic Planning for GCC Leadership

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as governments expand investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is projected 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 facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures aimed at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the region's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil earnings are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise 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 overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international growth easing 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position 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 danger conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Corporate Strategy for Regional Excellence

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 increase as governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout 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 trend. Policy steps intended at attracting foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play an encouraging function in 2026.