Why Is Operational Excellence Essential for 2026 Expansion?

The sector also dealt with broader macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy background in China and worldwide risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy prices. Thematic ETFs likewise struggled for the most part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as assessment pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on performance.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, reflecting selective allotment rather than broad market involvement. In spite of weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of products attracting brand-new capital.

Trading activity stayed consistent, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, enabling investors to change positions without considerable main developments or redemptions.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic exposure focused on worldwide luxury and customer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some development associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has affected sentiment and prices throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional assets.

How to Leverage Market Intelligence for 2026 Growth

Despite continuous geopolitical stress and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate strength, preserving positive growth momentum in the last few years. While disputes in the broader area and international economic uncertainty stay a structural constraint, GCC countries have actually so far restricted their impact on domestic financial efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and sustained financial investment.

3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted to increase 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) projects worldwide development easing 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth 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 local danger conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

How to Leverage GCC Intelligence for Growth

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to rise as federal governments expand investment in services, facilities, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is projected 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 facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted at bring in foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.

3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected 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) projects international development 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth 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 risk conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Strategic Planning for Middle East Excellence

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

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures aimed at attracting foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the area's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play an encouraging function in 2026.