Strategic Planning for GCC Success

The sector also dealt with more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy background in China and global risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as valuation pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF significantly exceeded. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, reflecting selective allotment rather than broad market participation. Despite weak efficiency, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of items bring in brand-new capital. This shows that investors were targeting specific exposures, while minimizing or turning out of others.

Trading activity stayed steady, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, enabling investors to change positions without significant primary productions or redemptions.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic direct exposure concentrated on global luxury and consumer 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 release in April pending a final approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some progress associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has actually affected belief and costs throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.

How to Leverage GCC Intelligence for Success

Regardless of ongoing geopolitical tensions and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show strength, maintaining positive development momentum in recent years. While conflicts in the wider region and global financial uncertainty remain a structural restriction, GCC countries have up until now restricted their influence on domestic economic performance through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and sustained investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise 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 positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international growth relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, 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, enhancing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

Why Is Operational Excellence Crucial for Future Expansion?

Data 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 increase as governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, and innovation. 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 investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures targeted at attracting foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the region's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil revenues are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide development reducing 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 expansion would place 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Leverage Market Intelligence 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 federal governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures aimed at attracting foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil profits are expected to play a helpful function in 2026.