Corporate Planning for Middle East Leadership

The sector also dealt with wider macro headwinds, including a more careful policy background in China and worldwide risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the most part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as assessment pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF significantly exceeded. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, showing selective allowance rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of items drawing in new capital. This shows that financiers were targeting particular exposures, while minimizing or rotating out of others.

Trading activity stayed consistent, 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 location 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 concentrated on worldwide luxury 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 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 during 2026. While the dispute has affected sentiment and costs throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local assets.

Strategic Planning for Middle East Leadership

Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show durability, maintaining favorable growth momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the broader region and worldwide financial unpredictability stay a structural restriction, GCC countries have up until now restricted their effect on domestic economic performance through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, 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 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 towards more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks worldwide growth easing 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position the area materially ahead of the world average and a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

Key Trends in the 2026 Middle East Market

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 rise as governments broaden investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. 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 financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps intended at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.

3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth 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) jobs worldwide development easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would place 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How to Leverage Market Research for 2026 Success

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

Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy measures focused on attracting foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.