Ways to Leverage GCC Research for Growth

The sector also dealt with broader macro headwinds, including a more cautious policy backdrop in China and worldwide risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy prices. Thematic ETFs likewise had a hard time for the most part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as appraisal pressures and global rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, showing selective allowance rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of items bring in new capital.

Trading activity stayed constant, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have actually taken location in the secondary market, enabling financiers to change positions without considerable primary productions or redemptions.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic direct exposure focused on international luxury 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 expected to launch in April pending a final approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some progress connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has actually affected sentiment and prices throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional assets.

Strategic Planning for GCC Excellence

In spite of ongoing geopolitical tensions and security dangers throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate durability, preserving favorable growth momentum in the last few years. While conflicts in the broader area and global financial unpredictability remain a structural constraint, GCC countries have actually so far limited their influence on domestic economic performance through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual financial investment.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. 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 towards more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide growth alleviating 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would position 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

Corporate Planning for Middle East Success

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to increase as governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. 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 innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures targeted at attracting foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a helpful role in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent typically in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide development alleviating 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put the region materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Advanced Planning for Regional Excellence

Information 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 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, enhancing credit conditions, and rising financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted at attracting foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.