Ways to Leverage GCC Research for 2026 Success

The sector also faced wider macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy backdrop in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy costs. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the many part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as evaluation pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

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

Trading activity stayed consistent, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, allowing investors to adjust positions without significant main developments or redemptions.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on global 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 anticipated to introduce in April pending a final approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some progress associating with ETFs in the GCC. We expect more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has actually impacted belief and prices during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional properties.

Navigating the 2026 Regional Economic Environment for Executives

Regardless of ongoing geopolitical tensions and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show strength, maintaining favorable growth momentum recently. While conflicts in the wider area and international economic unpredictability remain a structural constraint, GCC countries have up until now limited their effect on domestic financial efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and continual financial investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up 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 toward more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks global development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies just above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would place 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Comparing Innovative Strategies Versus Legacy Frameworks

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as governments expand financial 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, improving credit conditions, and rising investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures aimed at attracting foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.

3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international development easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative 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 a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Leverage GCC Research for 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 actually continued to rise as federal governments expand 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 rising financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures targeted at attracting foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil profits are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.