Ways to Leverage GCC Intelligence for 2026 Success

The sector also faced broader macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy background in China and global 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 technology, as assessment pressures and global rate dynamics weighed on performance.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allotment rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products attracting new capital.

Trading activity stayed constant, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, enabling investors to change positions without considerable main developments or redemptions.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on international high-end and customer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some development connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has affected sentiment and rates during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.

Why Does Business Excellence Vital for 2026 Expansion?

Despite continuous geopolitical stress and security threats throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show resilience, keeping positive development momentum in recent years. While conflicts in the wider area and worldwide economic uncertainty remain a structural constraint, GCC nations have up until now restricted their influence on domestic economic efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and continual financial investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF 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 towards more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global development alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that comparison, 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, reinforcing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

Ways to Leverage GCC Research for Growth

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 continued to increase as federal governments expand financial investment in services, facilities, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is predicted 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 financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures targeted at attracting foreign direct financial investment, easing 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 rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a supportive function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF 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 toward more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks global growth relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put the region materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Utilize Market Intelligence for 2026 Success

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as federal governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, 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 increasing financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps focused on attracting foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.