Why Is Operational Excellence Essential for 2026 Expansion?

The sector likewise faced broader macro headwinds, including a more cautious policy backdrop in China and global risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs likewise had a hard time for the most part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and international rate characteristics weighed on performance.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, reflecting selective allowance rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak performance, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of products drawing in new capital.

Trading activity remained stable, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have occurred in the secondary market, making it possible for financiers to adjust positions without considerable main creations or redemptions. While recent geopolitical occasions have resulted in more financial pressure on GCC nations, the region remains durable and well capitalized to deal with the scenario.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on international luxury and customer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some progress relating to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has impacted sentiment and rates during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.

Corporate Planning for Middle East Excellence

Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and security dangers throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show strength, keeping favorable growth momentum in recent years. While conflicts in the wider area and worldwide financial unpredictability stay a structural restraint, GCC nations have actually up until now restricted their impact on domestic economic performance through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and continual financial investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted 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) tasks international development relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative 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 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 local threat conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Corporate Planning for GCC Leadership

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

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted at attracting foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are expected to play a helpful role in 2026.

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

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide development relieving 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 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 risk conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How to Utilize GCC Research for 2026 Growth

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to increase as federal governments expand financial 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps targeted at bring in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the region's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.