Ways to Utilize GCC Research for 2026 Growth

The sector likewise dealt with broader macro headwinds, including a more careful policy background in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs also had a hard time for the most part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as valuation pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allotment rather than broad market involvement. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of products drawing in brand-new capital.

Trading activity remained stable, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have happened in the secondary market, enabling investors to change positions without substantial primary developments or redemptions. While current geopolitical events have resulted in more monetary pressure on GCC nations, the region stays resilient and well capitalized to handle the circumstance.

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

Q1 2026 revealed some progress connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has impacted sentiment and prices during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local possessions.

Corporate Strategy for GCC Leadership

Despite continuous geopolitical tensions and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show durability, preserving favorable growth momentum in the last few years. While conflicts in the larger region and global financial uncertainty remain a structural restriction, GCC nations have actually up until now limited their effect on domestic financial efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and sustained investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent growth 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 on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more favorable 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 developing economies just above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would put 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 remain contained and reform momentum holds.

Achieving Strategic Excellence in Regional Markets

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as federal governments expand financial 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 rising financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps targeted at drawing in foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.

3.2 percent development 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 toward more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position the area 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Mastering Regional Business Strategies for Scalable 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 actually continued to increase as governments broaden financial 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps targeted at attracting foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil profits are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.