Advanced Planning for Middle East Leadership

The sector also faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy backdrop in China and worldwide risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy prices. Thematic ETFs also struggled for the most part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as evaluation pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, showing selective allocation rather than broad market involvement. Despite weak efficiency, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of products drawing in brand-new capital.

Trading activity remained consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have occurred in the secondary market, making it possible for investors to adjust positions without significant primary developments or redemptions. While current geopolitical events have resulted in more financial pressure on GCC nations, the area remains resilient and well capitalized to handle the scenario.

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

Q1 2026 showed some progress connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has actually impacted sentiment and costs during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.

Crucial Data Within Latest GCC Market Research Reports

Regardless of continuous geopolitical stress and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show durability, maintaining positive development momentum in recent years. While disputes in the wider area and worldwide financial uncertainty stay a structural restriction, GCC countries have actually so far restricted their impact on domestic financial efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and sustained financial investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating 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 usually in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international development alleviating 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 expansion would position the area 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

Advanced Planning for Regional Leadership

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

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps targeted at bring in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating 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, reflecting a shift towards more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global development relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing 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 a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Leverage GCC Research for Growth

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as governments broaden investment in services, facilities, and technology. 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, improving credit conditions, and increasing investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures focused on attracting foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the region's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil profits are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.