Corporate Planning for GCC Leadership

The sector likewise dealt with broader macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy background in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs likewise struggled for the most part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as assessment pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, reflecting selective allotment rather than broad market participation. Despite weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of items attracting new capital.

Trading activity remained constant, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have taken location in the secondary market, allowing investors to change positions without considerable primary creations or redemptions.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic exposure focused on global luxury and consumer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has actually impacted belief and prices throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.

Ways to Leverage Market Intelligence for 2026 Success

In spite of ongoing geopolitical stress and security threats throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show durability, maintaining positive growth momentum recently. While disputes in the larger region and international economic uncertainty stay a structural restriction, GCC nations have so far restricted their effect on domestic economic performance through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and continual financial investment.

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 development forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would place 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 danger conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

How Does Business Excellence Essential for 2026 Growth?

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

Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy measures aimed at attracting foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play a supportive function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up 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, reflecting a shift toward more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global growth easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would place the area 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 regional threat conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Leverage Market Intelligence for Success

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to increase as federal governments expand financial investment in services, facilities, 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps intended at drawing in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.