Key Findings From 2026 GCC Market Research Reports

The sector likewise faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, including a more careful policy backdrop in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the most part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as assessment pressures and international rate characteristics weighed on performance.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, showing selective allowance rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak performance, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of items attracting brand-new capital.

Trading activity remained steady, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have taken location in the secondary market, allowing investors to change positions without significant main productions or redemptions.

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

Q1 2026 revealed some progress relating to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has actually impacted belief and rates throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local assets.

Ways to Utilize Market Intelligence for Success

In spite of ongoing geopolitical stress and security risks across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show durability, maintaining positive growth momentum recently. While disputes in the wider area and international economic uncertainty remain a structural constraint, GCC nations have actually so far limited their impact on domestic financial efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and sustained investment.

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

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide growth alleviating 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 put 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 danger conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

How Is Operational Excellence Essential for 2026 Expansion?

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 increase as governments expand financial investment in services, facilities, 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 investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted at attracting foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the region's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF 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 total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks international growth relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies just above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would place 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Leverage GCC Intelligence for 2026 Growth

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. 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 measures focused on drawing in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.