Comparing Innovative Models Versus Traditional Frameworks

The sector likewise faced broader macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy background in China and global risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs likewise had a hard time for the many part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as appraisal pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on performance.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, showing selective allowance rather than broad market involvement. Despite weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of products bring in new capital.

Trading activity remained constant, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have taken location in the secondary market, allowing financiers to adjust positions without substantial main creations or redemptions.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic direct exposure focused on global luxury and consumer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some progress relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has impacted sentiment and rates throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.

Ways to Utilize GCC Intelligence for 2026 Growth

In spite of continuous geopolitical stress and security threats throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate resilience, preserving positive development momentum in recent years. While disputes in the larger region and worldwide economic uncertainty remain a structural constraint, GCC nations have so far restricted their effect on domestic economic efficiency through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and continual investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up 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 positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks global growth relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative 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 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

How to Leverage GCC Research for Success

Data 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 broaden investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. 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, improving credit conditions, and rising investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps targeted at attracting foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil incomes are expected to play a helpful function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF 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 favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global development relieving 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 growth would place the region 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Utilize GCC Research for Success

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as federal governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. 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 increasing investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures aimed at bring in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil profits are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.