How to Leverage GCC Intelligence for Success

The sector likewise dealt with wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy backdrop in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy costs. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as evaluation pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on performance.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allotment rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small 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. A lot of activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, allowing financiers to change positions without considerable main creations or redemptions.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global High-end 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 development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has affected sentiment and prices throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.

Why Does Operational Excellence Crucial for 2026 Growth?

Despite continuous geopolitical stress and security dangers throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show strength, preserving positive development momentum in current years. While disputes in the wider region and international economic uncertainty remain a structural restriction, GCC nations have actually so far restricted their effect on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual financial investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up 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, reflecting a shift toward more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would place the area materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

How to Leverage Market Intelligence for Success

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to increase as governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is forecasted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures targeted at bring in foreign direct investment, alleviating 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 cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a helpful function in 2026.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating 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 favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global growth easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated 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 position 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 remain included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How to Leverage GCC Research for Success

Data 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 increase as federal governments expand investment in services, infrastructure, 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 investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps intended at bring in foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil revenues are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.