Corporate Strategy for Middle East Leadership

The sector also faced wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more cautious policy backdrop in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the many part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as valuation pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on performance.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, showing selective allocation rather than broad market involvement. Despite weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of items drawing in brand-new capital.

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

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic exposure concentrated on worldwide luxury and consumer 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 expected to launch in April pending a last approval from ADX.

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

Strategic Strategy for Middle East Success

In spite of ongoing geopolitical stress and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show resilience, keeping favorable development momentum in the last few years. While conflicts in the broader region and global financial uncertainty remain a structural restriction, GCC countries have actually up until now limited their effect on domestic financial performance through strong fiscal 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 forecasted to rise 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 worldwide development alleviating 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would put the area materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

How Is Operational Excellence Vital for Future Growth?

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to rise as federal governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, 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 investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures focused on drawing in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a helpful role 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 development projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent typically in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide development alleviating 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would position the region 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Corporate Strategy for GCC Success

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 governments expand investment in services, infrastructure, 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, enhancing credit conditions, and rising financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps targeted at attracting foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil earnings are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.