How to Utilize Market Intelligence for 2026 Growth

The sector likewise faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy background in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the most part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as assessment pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

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

Trading activity remained consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have happened in the secondary market, allowing investors to adjust positions without significant primary creations or redemptions. While current geopolitical occasions have actually resulted in more financial pressure on GCC countries, the region remains resilient and well capitalized to handle the scenario.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic exposure focused on international high-end and customer 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 showed some progress connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has impacted belief and costs during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local properties.

Strategic Strategy for Middle East Success

Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and security threats throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate resilience, keeping favorable development momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the wider region and worldwide economic uncertainty remain a structural restriction, GCC countries have up until now restricted their effect on domestic economic performance through strong financial positions, policy connection, and sustained financial investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development predicted 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) tasks international development alleviating 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would put 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

How to Utilize Market Research for 2026 Success

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as governments broaden investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is projected to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, improving credit conditions, and increasing investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

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

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF 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 towards more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would place 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Emerging Shifts in the 2026 Middle East Market

Information 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 rise as governments broaden 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 investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures targeted at attracting foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.