Ways to Leverage GCC Intelligence for 2026 Success

The sector likewise faced broader macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy backdrop in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the many part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as assessment pressures and global rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF substantially outshined. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, showing selective allotment instead of broad market involvement. Despite weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of items bring in new capital. This shows that investors were targeting specific exposures, while minimizing or turning out of others.

Trading activity stayed steady, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, making it possible for financiers to adjust positions without substantial primary productions or redemptions.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic exposure concentrated on international high-end 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 expected to introduce in April pending a final approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some progress relating to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has actually affected belief and rates throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local assets.

Why Does Operational Excellence Crucial for 2026 Growth?

In spite of ongoing geopolitical tensions and security threats throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show resilience, maintaining favorable growth momentum recently. While disputes in the wider region and worldwide financial unpredictability remain a structural restriction, GCC nations have so far restricted their effect on domestic economic efficiency through strong financial positions, policy connection, and sustained investment.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected 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 worldwide 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 growth would position 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

How to Utilize GCC Intelligence for 2026 Success

Information 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 broaden investment in services, facilities, 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 rising financial investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps targeted at bring in foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil incomes are expected to play a helpful function in 2026.

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 forecasted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global growth relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would position 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How to Leverage GCC Intelligence for Success

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as federal governments broaden investment in services, facilities, 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 investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps focused on bring in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits are expected to play a helpful role in 2026.