How to Utilize GCC Research for Success

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 higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as assessment pressures and international rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF significantly surpassed. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, showing selective allocation rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of products drawing in brand-new capital. This suggests that financiers were targeting particular direct exposures, while minimizing or turning out of others.

Trading activity stayed consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, allowing financiers to adjust positions without significant primary productions or redemptions.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic direct exposure focused on worldwide luxury and consumer 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 anticipated to release in April pending a last approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some development associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has actually impacted sentiment and prices during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local possessions.

How to Leverage Market Intelligence for 2026 Growth

In spite of ongoing geopolitical tensions and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show strength, preserving favorable growth momentum over the last few years. While conflicts in the broader region and international economic unpredictability remain a structural restraint, GCC nations have actually so far restricted their impact on domestic financial efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and continual financial investment.

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 toward more favorable total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international growth relieving 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

Strategic Planning for Middle East Leadership

Data 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 governments broaden investment in services, facilities, 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 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, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the region's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth predicted to increase 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) jobs global development reducing 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 position the area 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Advanced Planning for GCC Leadership

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to increase as governments broaden 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, enhancing credit conditions, and rising financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted at bring in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil revenues are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.