Corporate Planning for GCC Excellence

The sector likewise faced wider macro headwinds, including a more cautious policy background in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the many part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as appraisal pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

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

Trading activity stayed stable, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have actually taken location in the secondary market, enabling investors to adjust positions without significant main creations or redemptions.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on global 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 release in April pending a last approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has impacted sentiment and prices during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local assets.

Advanced Planning for GCC Success

Despite continuous geopolitical tensions and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show durability, keeping favorable growth momentum recently. While conflicts in the larger region and global economic uncertainty stay a structural restraint, GCC nations have actually so far restricted their effect on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy connection, and sustained 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 development predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks international development alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated 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 position the area materially ahead of the world average and a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Why Is Operational Excellence Essential for Future Expansion?

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to increase as federal governments expand financial 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 financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures focused on attracting foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play a supportive function in 2026.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift toward more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks worldwide growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies simply above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would place the area materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Essential Data Within 2026 Regional Market Research Reports

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to rise as federal governments broaden investment in services, facilities, 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, enhancing credit conditions, and rising investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures focused on bring in foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the area's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.