Ways to Utilize GCC Intelligence for Growth

The sector also dealt with wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy background in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy prices. Thematic ETFs also had a hard time for the many part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and international rate characteristics weighed on performance.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, showing selective allowance rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products bring in brand-new capital.

Trading activity stayed steady, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have actually taken location in the secondary market, allowing investors to adjust positions without considerable main productions or redemptions.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic direct exposure focused on worldwide luxury and consumer brands. 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 showed some progress relating to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has impacted sentiment and costs throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.

Boosting ROI Through Modern Middle East Market Intelligence

Regardless of continuous geopolitical tensions and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show strength, keeping positive development momentum recently. While conflicts in the wider region and worldwide economic uncertainty stay a structural restraint, GCC countries have up until now restricted their influence on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and sustained investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more favorable total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks worldwide growth reducing 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 expansion would put the area 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

Why Is Operational Excellence Crucial for 2026 Growth?

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 rise as federal governments expand 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 increasing investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps focused on drawing in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the region's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil incomes are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.

3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide growth alleviating 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 place the region materially ahead of the world average and a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Corporate Planning for GCC Leadership

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

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures aimed at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.