Why Is Operational Excellence Crucial for 2026 Expansion?

The sector also faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy background in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy prices. Thematic ETFs also struggled for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF significantly exceeded. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, reflecting selective allowance instead of broad market participation. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of items drawing in brand-new capital. This shows that financiers were targeting particular exposures, while minimizing or turning out of others.

Trading activity remained steady, with typical 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 place in the secondary market, making it possible for financiers to adjust positions without substantial primary creations or redemptions.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic direct exposure concentrated on global high-end 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 anticipated to introduce in April pending a final 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 throughout 2026. While the conflict has impacted sentiment and costs throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.

How Does Business Excellence Essential for Future Growth?

Despite continuous geopolitical stress and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate strength, preserving positive growth momentum recently. While conflicts in the larger area and global economic unpredictability remain a structural restriction, GCC nations have actually so far limited their impact on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy connection, 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 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 overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks global growth 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 contrast, 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, reinforcing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

Strategic Planning for GCC Excellence

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

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures aimed at drawing in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil incomes are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. 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 favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, 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, strengthening the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How to Utilize GCC Research for 2026 Growth

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to increase as governments expand 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, improving credit conditions, and increasing investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures targeted at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.