Comparing Modern Strategies Versus Traditional Frameworks

The sector also dealt with more comprehensive macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy background in China and worldwide risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs also had a hard time for the a lot of part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as appraisal pressures and international rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allotment rather than broad market involvement. Despite weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of items drawing in new capital.

Trading activity stayed steady, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have taken location in the secondary market, making it possible for financiers to adjust positions without substantial primary productions or redemptions.

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

Q1 2026 showed some progress connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has impacted belief and rates throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local possessions.

Ways to Utilize GCC Intelligence for Success

Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate durability, preserving positive growth momentum in the last few years. While conflicts in the larger region and global economic unpredictability remain a structural restraint, GCC nations have so far limited their influence on domestic economic performance through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and sustained 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 Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international development 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

How Does Business Excellence Crucial for Future Growth?

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 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 rising investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps focused on drawing in foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.

3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating 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, showing a shift toward more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global development relieving 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 put 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 regional risk conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Navigating the Upcoming GCC Economic Environment for Leaders

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 actually continued to increase as governments expand 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 innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps focused on drawing in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.