Ways to Leverage GCC Intelligence for 2026 Growth

The sector likewise faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, including a more careful policy background in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs also had a hard time for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as valuation pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on performance.

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

Trading activity remained constant, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have actually occurred in the secondary market, enabling investors to adjust positions without significant main productions or redemptions. While recent geopolitical events have actually led to more financial pressure on GCC countries, the region stays resilient and well capitalized to handle the scenario.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on international 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 expected to release in April pending a last approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some development associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the conflict has impacted belief and costs during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional properties.

How to Leverage Market Intelligence for Success

In spite of ongoing geopolitical tensions and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show durability, keeping positive development momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the broader area and worldwide financial uncertainty remain a structural restraint, GCC nations have up until now restricted their effect on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy connection, and sustained financial investment.

3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth predicted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift toward more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international growth 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 position the area 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Why Is Operational Excellence Crucial for 2026 Expansion?

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as federal governments expand investment in services, facilities, and innovation. 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 innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps focused on drawing in foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the area's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play an encouraging function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent typically in 2025, showing a shift toward more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide development reducing 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 somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Utilize Market Intelligence for 2026 Growth

Information 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 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 innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures targeted at attracting foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil profits are expected to play a helpful function in 2026.