Corporate Strategy for Middle East Excellence

The sector likewise dealt with broader macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy background in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the most part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as appraisal pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

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

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

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic exposure focused on global high-end and consumer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some development associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has impacted sentiment and costs throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local possessions.

Corporate Planning for Middle East Success

Regardless of ongoing geopolitical stress and security dangers throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show strength, keeping positive development momentum in the last few years. While conflicts in the broader area and global financial uncertainty remain a structural restraint, GCC nations have actually up until now limited their effect on domestic economic efficiency through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and sustained investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating 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 general 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 developing economies just above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would put the region 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

Managing the 2026 Regional Business Environment for Executives

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 rise as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is predicted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and rising investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures targeted at bring in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.

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 positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide growth relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would position the region 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Advanced Strategy for GCC Success

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as 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, improving credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.