Advanced Planning for GCC Excellence

The sector also dealt with wider macro headwinds, including a more careful policy backdrop in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs likewise had a hard time for the a lot of part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and global rate dynamics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF significantly surpassed. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, reflecting selective allocation instead of broad market involvement. Despite weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of items attracting brand-new capital. This shows that investors were targeting specific exposures, while minimizing or rotating out of others.

Trading activity remained constant, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have happened in the secondary market, enabling investors to adjust positions without substantial main developments or redemptions. While recent geopolitical occasions have resulted in more monetary pressure on GCC countries, the area remains resilient and well capitalized to handle the situation.

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

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

Ways to Utilize GCC Intelligence for Growth

Regardless of ongoing geopolitical tensions and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show durability, preserving favorable development momentum recently. While conflicts in the broader area and global financial uncertainty stay a structural constraint, GCC nations have so far limited their effect on domestic financial performance through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and continual financial investment.

3.2 percent growth 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, showing a shift towards more positive total conditions.

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

Why Is Business Excellence Crucial for Future Expansion?

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to increase as governments expand financial 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 increasing financial investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures targeted at bring in foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent typically in 2025, showing a shift toward more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide growth relieving 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would position the region materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How to Utilize GCC Research for Growth

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

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps targeted at bring in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the region's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.