Boosting ROI Through Data-Driven Middle East Market Intelligence

The sector also dealt with more comprehensive macro headwinds, including a more cautious policy backdrop in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy costs. Thematic ETFs also struggled for the most part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as assessment pressures and international rate characteristics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF considerably outperformed. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, showing selective allotment rather than broad market involvement. Despite weak efficiency, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of products drawing in brand-new capital. This suggests that investors were targeting particular direct exposures, while minimizing or turning out of others.

Trading activity stayed constant, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, allowing investors to change positions without substantial main creations or redemptions.

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

Q1 2026 revealed some progress associating with ETFs in the GCC. We expect more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has actually affected belief and costs throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local properties.

Strategic Strategy for GCC Leadership

In spite of continuous geopolitical tensions and security risks across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show resilience, maintaining positive development momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the larger area and worldwide economic unpredictability stay a structural restriction, GCC countries have up until now restricted their effect on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and continual financial investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive total 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 just above 4 percent. On that comparison, 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, strengthening the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

How to Leverage GCC Intelligence for 2026 Success

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, and technology. 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps intended at bring in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are expected to play a helpful function in 2026.

3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up 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, reflecting a shift toward more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international development relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative 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 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Why Is Operational Excellence Essential for Future 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 actually continued to increase as governments expand financial investment in services, facilities, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is forecasted 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 infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures aimed at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening 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 development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.