How to Leverage GCC Research for Growth

The sector likewise dealt with wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more cautious policy background in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs likewise had a hard time for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on performance.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, showing selective allotment rather than broad market involvement. In spite of weak performance, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of products bring in new capital.

Trading activity remained constant, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have actually taken location in the secondary market, enabling investors to change positions without significant primary developments or redemptions.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic exposure focused on global high-end and consumer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on 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 conflict has impacted sentiment and costs during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional properties.

Key Findings From 2026 GCC Market Analysis Reports

Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show durability, keeping positive growth momentum recently. While conflicts in the broader area and international economic uncertainty stay a structural restriction, GCC countries have actually up until now limited their influence on domestic financial efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and continual financial investment.

3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift toward more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international development reducing 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position the region 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

How Is Operational Excellence Vital for 2026 Growth?

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to rise as federal governments expand investment in services, facilities, 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures aimed at bring in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.

3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. 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 favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide growth relieving 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 growth would put the area 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 regional threat conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Why Is Business Excellence Vital for Future Expansion?

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to increase as governments expand financial investment in services, facilities, 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 financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures targeted at attracting foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the region's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.