Advanced Strategy for GCC Leadership

The sector likewise faced wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy backdrop in China and worldwide risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs also had a hard time for the most part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as evaluation pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF substantially outperformed. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, reflecting selective allotment instead of broad market involvement. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of items bring in new capital. This shows that financiers were targeting specific direct exposures, while decreasing or turning out of others.

Trading activity stayed consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have taken location in the secondary market, enabling financiers to adjust positions without substantial main developments or redemptions.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on international 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 anticipated to launch in April pending a final 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 during 2026. While the dispute has impacted belief and prices during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional assets.

Corporate Planning for Middle East Success

Despite continuous geopolitical tensions and security dangers throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate durability, keeping favorable growth momentum over the last few years. While conflicts in the wider region and global economic unpredictability remain a structural restriction, GCC countries have up until now limited their effect on domestic economic efficiency through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and continual investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF 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 towards more favorable total conditions.

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

How to Leverage Market Intelligence for Success

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as governments expand financial investment in services, facilities, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across 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 innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps focused on attracting foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil revenues are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development forecasted to rise 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) jobs global growth easing 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 place the area 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Boosting ROI Through Modern GCC Market Intelligence

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 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, improving credit conditions, and rising investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures focused on bring in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.