Ways to Utilize GCC Intelligence for Success

The sector also dealt with wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy backdrop in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy prices. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the most part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF significantly exceeded. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, reflecting selective allowance instead of broad market participation. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of products drawing in brand-new capital. This suggests that financiers were targeting particular exposures, while minimizing or turning out of others.

Trading activity remained consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have occurred in the secondary market, making it possible for investors to adjust positions without substantial primary developments or redemptions. While current geopolitical events have resulted in more financial pressure on GCC nations, the region stays durable and well capitalized to handle the scenario.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic direct exposure focused on worldwide luxury and consumer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some progress connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has affected sentiment and rates during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional assets.

Ways to Utilize GCC Intelligence for Success

Regardless of continuous geopolitical tensions and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate resilience, maintaining positive development momentum in current years. While conflicts in the wider region and global economic uncertainty remain a structural restraint, GCC nations have so far restricted their effect on domestic financial performance through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and sustained 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, reflecting a shift towards more favorable total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide development 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

Advanced Planning for Regional Excellence

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. 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 technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures targeted at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil revenues are anticipated 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 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) projects global growth 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 area 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Corporate Strategy for Regional 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 broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. 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, enhancing credit conditions, and rising financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures targeted at bring in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the region's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil incomes are expected to play a helpful function in 2026.