Navigating Regional Business Frameworks for Sustainable Success

The sector likewise faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, including a more cautious policy background in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs also struggled for the a lot of part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as appraisal pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF substantially surpassed. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, reflecting selective allocation rather than broad market involvement. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of products bring in new capital. This shows that financiers were targeting particular direct 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. The majority of activity appears to have taken location in the secondary market, making it possible for financiers to adjust positions without substantial main creations or redemptions.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic exposure focused on international 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 expected to release in April pending a last approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed 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 impacted sentiment and rates during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local properties.

Corporate Planning for Middle East Excellence

Regardless of continuous geopolitical tensions and security dangers throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show durability, preserving positive growth momentum over the last few years. While conflicts in the wider region and international financial unpredictability remain a structural restraint, GCC countries have up until now limited their impact on domestic economic performance through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and continual investment.

3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift toward more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international growth alleviating 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 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

How to Utilize GCC Intelligence for 2026 Growth

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to rise as federal governments expand financial investment in services, facilities, 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, improving credit conditions, and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures targeted at bring in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits are expected to play an encouraging function 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 development projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent typically in 2025, showing a shift toward more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced 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 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 danger conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Managing the 2026 GCC Business Environment for Executives

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to increase as federal governments broaden investment in services, facilities, 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, improving credit conditions, and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps focused on drawing in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.