Why Is Operational Excellence Vital for 2026 Growth?

The sector also dealt with wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more cautious policy background in China and global risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy costs. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the most part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as assessment pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF considerably outshined. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, showing selective allowance rather than broad market involvement. Despite weak efficiency, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products attracting new capital. This suggests that financiers were targeting specific direct exposures, while minimizing or turning out of others.

Trading activity stayed steady, 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, making it possible for investors to adjust positions without substantial primary developments or redemptions.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic direct exposure concentrated on international luxury and consumer brand names. 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 launch in April pending a last approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some progress associating with ETFs in the GCC. We expect more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the conflict has impacted belief and costs throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional properties.

Advanced Strategy for Middle East Success

Regardless of ongoing geopolitical stress and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate durability, maintaining positive development momentum over the last few years. While conflicts in the wider region and worldwide economic uncertainty remain a structural restriction, GCC nations have up until now limited their effect on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and sustained investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development 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) tasks global development alleviating 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 growth would position the region materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

How to Leverage GCC Research for 2026 Success

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as federal governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is predicted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, improving credit conditions, and rising financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures aimed at drawing in foreign direct investment, easing 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 control the growth outlook, oil incomes are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output development forecasted 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 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 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, enhancing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How Is Operational Excellence Crucial for Future Expansion?

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 rise as governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, and innovation. 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 investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps aimed at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil incomes are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.