Key Findings From Latest GCC Market Analysis Reports

The sector also dealt with wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy background in China and worldwide risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the most part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as assessment pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

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

Trading activity stayed steady, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, enabling investors to change positions without significant main developments or redemptions.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a specific 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 launch in April pending a final approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has affected sentiment and rates during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional properties.

Driving Strategic Excellence in the Middle East

In spite of continuous geopolitical stress and security dangers throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show strength, preserving favorable development momentum in the last few years. While conflicts in the larger area and international financial uncertainty stay a structural restraint, GCC countries have so far limited their impact on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy connection, 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 predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift toward more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global growth alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative 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 area materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

How Does Business Excellence Essential for 2026 Growth?

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of overall 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 across the GCC is predicted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, improving 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 focused on drawing in foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the region's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a helpful function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output development predicted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent typically in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global growth alleviating 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would put the region materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Strategic Planning for Middle East Excellence

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as governments broaden investment in services, facilities, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is forecasted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, improving credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps focused on bring in foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil earnings are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.