How to Leverage GCC Intelligence for 2026 Success

The sector likewise dealt with broader macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy backdrop in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs also struggled for the a lot of part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on performance.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allowance rather than broad market participation. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of products attracting new capital.

Trading activity stayed steady, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have actually taken place in the secondary market, allowing financiers to adjust positions without significant primary productions or redemptions.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic exposure focused on international high-end and consumer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on 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 conflict has actually impacted sentiment and prices throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional properties.

Key Trends in the Future Middle East Market

In spite of continuous geopolitical stress and security dangers throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate resilience, preserving favorable growth momentum recently. While disputes in the larger area and worldwide economic uncertainty stay a structural restraint, GCC nations have up until now limited their influence on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and continual investment.

3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up 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, reflecting a shift towards more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide growth 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 place the area materially ahead of the world average and a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

How to Leverage Market Research for 2026 Growth

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to rise as federal governments broaden investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. 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, enhancing credit conditions, and rising investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps targeted at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, easing 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 cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play an encouraging function in 2026.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth 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) tasks international growth easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put the region 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Strategic Planning for Middle East Leadership

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as federal governments broaden investment in services, facilities, and technology. 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 increasing investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures focused on bring in foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil earnings are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.