Ways to Utilize GCC Intelligence for 2026 Growth

The sector likewise faced wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more cautious policy background in China and worldwide risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy costs. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the most part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as evaluation pressures and international rate characteristics weighed on performance.

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

Trading activity stayed consistent, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have happened in the secondary market, enabling financiers to adjust positions without substantial primary productions or redemptions. While current geopolitical events have actually led to more financial pressure on GCC nations, the region remains resistant and well capitalized to deal with the situation.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic exposure focused on global luxury and customer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has impacted sentiment and rates during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local properties.

Strategic Planning for GCC Success

Despite ongoing geopolitical stress and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show durability, maintaining positive development momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the wider region and worldwide economic uncertainty remain a structural constraint, GCC nations have actually so far restricted their effect on domestic economic performance through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and continual financial investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF 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 towards more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks worldwide development 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 growth would position the area materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

How to Leverage GCC Research for 2026 Success

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

Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps targeted at bring in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil incomes are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected 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) jobs global development alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Driving Strategic Excellence in Regional Markets

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

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps targeted at attracting foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.