Navigating the Upcoming GCC Economic Landscape for Executives

The sector also faced wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy background in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy prices. Thematic ETFs also struggled for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as assessment pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on performance.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allotment rather than broad market involvement. In spite of weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of products drawing in brand-new capital.

Trading activity stayed stable, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused 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 developments or redemptions.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic exposure concentrated on global high-end and customer brand names. 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 launch in April pending a final approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some development associating with ETFs in the GCC. We expect more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has actually affected belief and prices during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local properties.

How to Utilize GCC Intelligence for 2026 Growth

In spite of continuous geopolitical tensions and security risks across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate durability, preserving positive development momentum in the last few years. While disputes in the wider area and worldwide financial unpredictability stay a structural constraint, GCC countries have actually so far restricted their influence on domestic financial efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and continual investment.

3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted to increase 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 international development relieving 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 growth would put 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 regional threat conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

Strategic Planning for Regional Leadership

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 rise as governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, and innovation. 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 stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures focused on drawing in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.

3.2 percent development 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, reflecting a shift towards more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global development alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative 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 slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How to Utilize GCC Research for 2026 Growth

Information 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 federal governments broaden financial 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 increasing financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps targeted at attracting foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the area's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.