Advanced Planning for Regional Leadership

The sector likewise dealt with wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more cautious policy background in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs also struggled for the a lot of part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as appraisal pressures and global rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

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

Trading activity stayed stable, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have actually occurred in the secondary market, enabling investors to change positions without significant main productions or redemptions. While current geopolitical occasions have resulted in more financial pressure on GCC nations, the area remains durable and well capitalized to handle the scenario.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic direct exposure concentrated on global luxury and consumer brand names. Momentum continued into April with the approval of KraneShares AGIX and KWIN ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX. These funds are anticipated to launch in April pending a last 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 during 2026. While the dispute has actually impacted sentiment and costs throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local possessions.

Key Findings From Latest GCC Market Research Reports

In spite of continuous geopolitical stress and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show strength, preserving favorable development momentum over the last few years. While conflicts in the wider area and international financial unpredictability stay a structural restriction, GCC countries have actually so far restricted their effect on domestic economic efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and sustained financial investment.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. 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 towards more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global growth 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would place the area 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Strategic Strategy for Regional Leadership

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as governments expand investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. 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, improving credit conditions, and increasing investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps aimed at bring in foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a supportive function in 2026.

3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more favorable total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international growth reducing 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 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, enhancing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Utilize Market Research for 2026 Growth

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as federal governments broaden 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, improving credit conditions, and rising investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps focused on attracting foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.