Corporate Strategy for Middle East Excellence

The sector likewise faced wider macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy background in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs also had a hard time for the many part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF significantly outperformed. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, reflecting selective allocation instead of broad market involvement. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of items drawing in brand-new capital. This shows that investors were targeting particular direct exposures, while lowering or rotating out of others.

Trading activity remained stable, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have actually taken place in the secondary market, allowing investors to change positions without substantial primary productions or redemptions.

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

Q1 2026 showed some development relating to 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 rates during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local properties.

Ways to Leverage Market Intelligence for 2026 Growth

Regardless of continuous geopolitical tensions and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate resilience, maintaining positive development momentum recently. While disputes in the larger area and global economic uncertainty stay a structural restriction, GCC nations have up until now restricted their influence on domestic financial performance through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and sustained financial investment.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up 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, reflecting a shift toward more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international growth easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies simply above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

Advanced Planning for Middle East Excellence

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to rise as governments broaden 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures targeted at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a helpful function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put 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 risk conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How Is Business Excellence Vital for 2026 Growth?

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to increase as federal governments broaden investment in services, facilities, and innovation. 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures focused on drawing in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a helpful role in 2026.