Driving Operational Excellence in Regional Markets

The sector also dealt with more comprehensive macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy background in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the a lot of part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as evaluation pressures and global rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF substantially surpassed. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, reflecting selective allotment instead of broad market participation. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of products drawing in new capital. This indicates that investors were targeting particular direct exposures, while decreasing or rotating out of others.

Trading activity stayed consistent, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have actually taken location in the secondary market, enabling financiers to adjust positions without considerable main creations or redemptions.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic exposure focused on global luxury and consumer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some progress connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has actually affected sentiment and prices throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local possessions.

How to Utilize GCC Research for 2026 Growth

Despite continuous geopolitical tensions and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show strength, keeping favorable growth momentum in recent years. While disputes in the wider region and worldwide economic uncertainty stay a structural constraint, GCC nations have up until now limited their effect 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 growth forecasted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift toward more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide growth relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced 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 position the region materially ahead of the world average and a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

Advanced Planning for Regional Excellence

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has 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, enhancing credit conditions, and rising financial investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps intended at bring in foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play a supportive function in 2026.

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

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide development alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing 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 a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Implementing GCC Corporate Frameworks for Scalable Operations

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 expand 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 financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures focused on attracting foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.