How to Leverage GCC Intelligence for Growth

The sector also faced wider macro headwinds, including a more careful policy backdrop in China and global risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the most part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as evaluation pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF considerably outperformed. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, reflecting selective allocation instead of broad market participation. In spite of weak performance, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of products attracting new capital. This shows that investors were targeting specific direct exposures, while decreasing or rotating out of others.

Trading activity stayed constant, with typical 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, enabling financiers to adjust positions without significant primary creations or redemptions.

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

Q1 2026 revealed some progress associating with ETFs in the GCC. We expect more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the conflict has actually impacted sentiment and prices during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional assets.

Why Does Operational Excellence Crucial for Future Expansion?

In spite of ongoing geopolitical stress and security risks across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate strength, maintaining positive growth momentum recently. While conflicts in the wider area and international financial unpredictability remain a structural restraint, GCC countries have actually so far restricted their effect on domestic financial efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and sustained investment.

3.2 percent development 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 towards more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks worldwide development alleviating 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would place 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 danger conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

Comparing Future-Focused Models Versus Traditional Frameworks

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 rise as governments broaden 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 investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps targeted at attracting foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are expected 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 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) jobs global growth 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position the region materially ahead of the world average and slightly 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 stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

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Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to increase as federal 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted at bring in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.