Key Findings Within 2026 Regional Market Analysis Reports

The sector likewise dealt with more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy backdrop in China and worldwide risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs likewise had a hard time for the most part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and international rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF significantly outshined. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allocation rather than broad market involvement. Despite weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of products bring in new capital. This indicates that financiers were targeting specific direct exposures, while decreasing or turning out of others.

Trading activity remained consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have occurred in the secondary market, enabling financiers to change positions without substantial main developments or redemptions. While recent geopolitical occasions have actually led to more monetary pressure on GCC nations, the region stays resilient and well capitalized to handle the situation.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic exposure concentrated on international luxury and customer 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 launch in April pending a final approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has actually affected belief and costs during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional assets.

Strategic Planning for GCC Success

Regardless of ongoing geopolitical tensions and security risks across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show resilience, preserving favorable growth momentum in the last few years. While conflicts in the broader area and global financial unpredictability remain a structural restriction, GCC countries have up until now restricted their effect on domestic economic efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and continual financial investment.

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

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global development alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced 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 put 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 local danger conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Corporate Planning for Regional Excellence

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to increase as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, 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, enhancing 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 steps intended at bring in foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output development forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent typically in 2025, showing a shift toward more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international growth alleviating 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put the area materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How Is Operational Excellence Essential for 2026 Expansion?

Information 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 broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is projected 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 central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures focused on attracting foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.