Corporate Planning for GCC Excellence

The sector also faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, including a more careful policy backdrop in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs also struggled for the many part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as assessment pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF significantly outshined. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, reflecting selective allocation rather than broad market involvement. Despite weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of products bring in new capital. This indicates that financiers were targeting specific exposures, while lowering or turning out of others.

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 actually taken location in the secondary market, making it possible for investors to change positions without substantial primary productions or redemptions.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic direct exposure concentrated on international luxury 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 expected to launch in April pending a final approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some development associating with ETFs in the GCC. We expect more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has affected sentiment and costs during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional assets.

Corporate Planning for GCC Leadership

In spite of ongoing geopolitical tensions and security threats throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate durability, preserving positive growth momentum in the last few years. While disputes in the broader region and international financial uncertainty stay a structural constraint, GCC nations have up until now restricted their effect on domestic economic performance through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and continual investment.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. 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 overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global development 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would place 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

Why Is Operational Excellence Crucial for 2026 Expansion?

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

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps targeted at bring in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.

3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more favorable total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global growth easing 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would position 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 danger conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Managing the Upcoming Regional Economic Environment for Leaders

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

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures intended at attracting foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play an encouraging function in 2026.