Ways to Leverage Market Intelligence for 2026 Growth

The sector likewise faced broader macro headwinds, including a more cautious policy background in China and worldwide risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the most part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as evaluation pressures and global rate dynamics weighed on performance.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, reflecting selective allotment rather than broad market involvement. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of items attracting brand-new capital.

Trading activity remained steady, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have actually occurred in the secondary market, enabling investors to adjust positions without significant main productions or redemptions. While current geopolitical occasions have resulted in more monetary pressure on GCC nations, the area remains resilient and well capitalized to handle the circumstance.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on global high-end and consumer 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 anticipated to introduce in April pending a final approval from ADX.

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

Key Data Within 2026 GCC Market Research Reports

In spite of ongoing geopolitical tensions and security dangers throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show resilience, maintaining positive growth momentum in recent years. While conflicts in the wider region and worldwide financial unpredictability remain a structural restriction, GCC nations have actually so far restricted their effect on domestic economic performance through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and continual financial investment.

3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up 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, showing a shift toward more favorable total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international development relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced 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 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

Advanced Planning for Regional Excellence

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

Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures aimed 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 area's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play an encouraging function in 2026.

3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up 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, showing a shift towards more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks international growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies simply 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, reinforcing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How Is Operational Excellence Essential for Future Growth?

Information 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 governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, 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 investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures focused on bring in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the region's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.