How to Leverage GCC Intelligence for 2026 Growth

The sector also dealt with wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more cautious policy backdrop in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as appraisal pressures and global rate dynamics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF significantly exceeded. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, reflecting selective allocation rather than broad market involvement. Despite weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of products drawing in new capital. This shows that financiers were targeting particular exposures, while lowering or rotating out of others.

Trading activity stayed constant, 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 location in the secondary market, enabling investors to adjust positions without considerable primary developments or redemptions.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic direct exposure concentrated 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 introduce in April pending a final approval from ADX.

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

Advanced Planning for Middle East Success

In spite of ongoing geopolitical tensions and security risks across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate durability, maintaining favorable growth momentum in the last few years. While disputes in the broader region and worldwide economic uncertainty remain a structural restriction, GCC nations have up until now restricted their influence on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy connection, and sustained investment.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up 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 towards more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide growth 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 growth 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

Corporate Planning for GCC Success

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise 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 increasing investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures 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 lower the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output development predicted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent usually in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks international development easing 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 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, reinforcing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How to Leverage Market Research for Success

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 governments expand financial investment in services, facilities, and innovation. 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, enhancing credit conditions, and rising investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps targeted at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil profits are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.