Ways to Utilize Market Intelligence for Growth

The sector likewise faced wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more cautious policy background in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the many part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and international rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, showing selective allotment rather than broad market participation. Despite weak efficiency, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of products bring in brand-new capital.

Trading activity stayed steady, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have actually occurred in the secondary market, enabling financiers to change positions without considerable primary creations or redemptions. While current geopolitical events have actually resulted in more financial pressure on GCC nations, the area remains durable and well capitalized to deal with the scenario.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic exposure focused on international luxury and consumer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

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

How to Utilize GCC Intelligence for 2026 Success

Regardless of continuous geopolitical stress and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate resilience, preserving positive development momentum in the last few years. While conflicts in the larger region and international economic uncertainty stay a structural restraint, GCC countries have actually so far restricted their effect on domestic economic performance through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development predicted 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) tasks international development alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated 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 place the area materially ahead of the world average and somewhat 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.

Ways to Leverage Market Research 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 continued to rise as governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, 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 investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures focused on attracting foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.

3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to rise 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) projects international development 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would put the region materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How Does Operational Excellence Vital for Future Expansion?

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to increase as governments broaden 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, improving credit conditions, and rising investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures targeted at bring in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.