Strategic Planning for GCC Excellence

The sector also faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy background in China and worldwide risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs likewise had a hard time for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as appraisal pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, reflecting selective allowance rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of items attracting new capital.

Trading activity remained steady, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have occurred in the secondary market, enabling financiers to change positions without substantial main creations or redemptions. While recent geopolitical occasions have led to more monetary pressure on GCC nations, the area stays resistant and well capitalized to deal with the scenario.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on global luxury and customer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some progress associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the conflict has impacted sentiment and prices throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local possessions.

How to Leverage GCC Research for Growth

Regardless of ongoing geopolitical tensions and security risks across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show resilience, keeping favorable growth momentum in current years. While disputes in the broader region and worldwide economic uncertainty stay a structural restriction, GCC countries have actually so far restricted their effect on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy connection, and sustained investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up 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, showing a shift toward more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global growth easing 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 comparison, 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, reinforcing the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Ways to Leverage Market Intelligence for Success

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as governments broaden 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, enhancing credit conditions, and rising financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps targeted at drawing in foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil earnings are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.

3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide growth alleviating 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 expansion would position 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 risk conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Crucial Data From 2026 Regional Market Research Reports

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as federal governments expand investment in services, facilities, and innovation. 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 investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps intended at bring in foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the area's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.