Leading the 2026 GCC Economic Environment for Executives

The sector also dealt with more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy backdrop in China and worldwide risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the many part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as assessment pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, reflecting selective allocation rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of products attracting brand-new capital.

Trading activity remained steady, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, allowing investors to adjust positions without significant primary creations or redemptions.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic exposure focused 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 release in April pending a final approval from ADX.

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

How to Utilize Market Research for 2026 Growth

In spite of ongoing geopolitical tensions and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show durability, keeping favorable development momentum in recent years. While conflicts in the larger area and global economic unpredictability stay a structural constraint, GCC countries have actually up until now limited their effect on domestic economic performance through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and continual financial investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development predicted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global development alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative 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 place 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

Corporate Planning for Regional Excellence

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

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps focused on attracting foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, expanding 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 dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a helpful role 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 rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more favorable total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global growth easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing 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 a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Utilize Market Intelligence for Growth

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already 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 throughout 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 technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps targeted at attracting foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil profits are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.