How to Leverage GCC Research for 2026 Growth

The sector also dealt with more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more cautious policy background in China and global risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy prices. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the many part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as assessment pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on performance.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, showing selective allotment rather than broad market involvement. Despite weak efficiency, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of items drawing in brand-new capital.

Trading activity stayed consistent, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, making it possible for financiers to change positions without considerable primary productions or redemptions.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic direct exposure concentrated on worldwide high-end 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 anticipated to release in April pending a last approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some development associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has impacted sentiment and rates during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local possessions.

Why Is Operational Excellence Crucial for 2026 Growth?

In spite of continuous geopolitical stress and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show durability, keeping favorable development momentum in the last few years. While disputes in the broader region and international financial unpredictability remain a structural restriction, GCC countries have so far limited their effect on domestic economic performance through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and sustained investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global growth reducing 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 position 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

Corporate Planning for Regional Excellence

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 continued to rise as governments expand investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. 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 increasing investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures aimed at attracting foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership rules, expanding 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 control the growth outlook, oil earnings 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 forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide growth alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative 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, reinforcing the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Strategic Strategy for Regional Leadership

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as federal governments expand investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout 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 remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures aimed at drawing in foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.