Managing the Upcoming Regional Economic Landscape for Executives

The sector likewise dealt with more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy backdrop in China and worldwide risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy prices. Thematic ETFs likewise struggled for the a lot of part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as evaluation pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, reflecting selective allowance rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of items attracting brand-new capital.

Trading activity remained consistent, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, allowing financiers to adjust positions without considerable main productions or redemptions.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic exposure concentrated on international high-end 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 release in April pending a final approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some development connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the conflict has actually affected belief and costs throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.

Maximizing ROI Using Data-Driven Middle East Market Intelligence

Despite continuous geopolitical tensions and security threats throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show resilience, preserving positive growth momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the wider region and global financial unpredictability stay a structural restraint, GCC nations have so far restricted their effect on domestic financial efficiency 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, showing a shift towards more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global growth reducing 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 contrast, 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, strengthening the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

How to Utilize Market Intelligence for Success

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

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps targeted at attracting foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth predicted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent typically in 2025, showing a shift towards more favorable total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide growth relieving 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 place 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How Is Business Excellence Crucial for 2026 Expansion?

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to increase as 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 rising financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures aimed at bring in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, 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 dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.