How to Utilize GCC Research for 2026 Success

The sector likewise dealt with wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy backdrop in China and global risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy prices. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as appraisal pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF significantly outperformed. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, reflecting selective allowance rather than broad market involvement. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of items bring in new capital. This indicates that investors were targeting particular direct exposures, while minimizing or rotating out of others.

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

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on global high-end and customer brand names. Momentum continued into April with the approval of KraneShares AGIX and KWIN ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX. These funds are expected to introduce in April pending a last approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some development connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has actually impacted belief and costs during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional properties.

Leading the Upcoming Regional Business Environment for Leaders

Regardless of ongoing geopolitical stress and security risks across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show durability, maintaining positive growth momentum over the last few years. While conflicts in the wider area and worldwide economic uncertainty stay a structural restriction, GCC countries have up until now restricted their impact on domestic economic performance through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and continual financial investment.

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

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced 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 put the area materially ahead of the world average and a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

Corporate Strategy for GCC Leadership

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to rise as governments broaden investment in services, infrastructure, 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 infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps targeted at bring in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF 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 toward more favorable total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international growth reducing 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 put 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 risk conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How to Utilize Market Research for 2026 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 continued to increase as governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is predicted 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 investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures focused on attracting foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a helpful function in 2026.