Advanced Planning for GCC Leadership

The sector also dealt with wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy backdrop in China and worldwide risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the many part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as evaluation pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF substantially surpassed. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, showing selective allowance rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak performance, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of products drawing in new capital. This indicates that investors were targeting particular exposures, while reducing or turning out of others.

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

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on global luxury and consumer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some progress connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has actually impacted sentiment and rates during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional properties.

Strategic Planning for GCC Excellence

Despite ongoing geopolitical stress and security threats throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show strength, preserving positive growth momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the wider region and global economic uncertainty remain a structural constraint, GCC countries have up until now restricted their effect on domestic economic efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and continual investment.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global growth alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies simply above 4 percent. On that comparison, 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, reinforcing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

How to Utilize GCC Research for Success

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

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures focused on attracting foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global development 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 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, reinforcing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Strategic Strategy for Middle East Success

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is predicted 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 facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures intended at drawing in foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the region'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.