How to Utilize Market Intelligence for 2026 Growth

The sector also dealt with wider macro headwinds, including a more careful policy backdrop in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs also had a hard time for the most part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as appraisal pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on performance.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, reflecting selective allowance rather than broad market participation. Regardless of weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of products bring in new capital.

Trading activity remained 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, enabling investors to change positions without considerable main creations or redemptions.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic direct exposure concentrated on global high-end 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 anticipated to launch in April pending a last approval from ADX.

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

Corporate Planning for Middle East Excellence

Despite ongoing geopolitical stress and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate durability, keeping positive growth momentum in current years. While conflicts in the larger region and international financial uncertainty remain a structural constraint, GCC countries have so far limited their effect on domestic economic performance through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and sustained financial investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 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 increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent usually in 2025, showing a shift toward more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global growth relieving 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 expansion would put the area materially ahead of the world average and a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

Why Does Operational Excellence Essential for Future Expansion?

Data 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 increase as governments broaden investment in services, infrastructure, 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, improving credit conditions, and rising investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted at attracting foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the area's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play an encouraging 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 similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to rise 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 international development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would place the area materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Advanced Strategy for Middle East Leadership

Information 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 increase as federal governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, 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 investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures focused on bring 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 growth outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.