Ways to Leverage GCC Intelligence for 2026 Growth

The sector also faced wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy backdrop in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy costs. Thematic ETFs likewise struggled for the most part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as appraisal pressures and international rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, reflecting selective allowance rather than broad market involvement. Despite weak efficiency, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of products bring in 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. The majority of activity appears to have actually taken location in the secondary market, allowing investors to adjust positions without substantial primary productions or redemptions. While current geopolitical events have actually led to more monetary pressure on GCC countries, the region remains durable and well capitalized to handle the scenario.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic direct exposure concentrated on global 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 release in April pending a last approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has actually impacted sentiment and costs during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local properties.

Corporate Planning for GCC Leadership

Despite continuous geopolitical tensions and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show strength, keeping favorable development momentum in the last few years. While conflicts in the wider area and worldwide financial uncertainty remain a structural constraint, GCC countries have actually up until now restricted their effect on domestic financial efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and sustained financial investment.

3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth predicted 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) tasks global growth alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put the area materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

Advanced Planning for Middle East Success

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 rise as governments expand financial 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 financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures intended at drawing 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 area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth predicted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide growth easing 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, strengthening 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+

Advanced Strategy for GCC Leadership

Information 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 broaden investment in services, facilities, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is projected to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and rising financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures targeted at attracting foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a supportive function in 2026.