Ways to Leverage GCC Intelligence for 2026 Growth

The sector also faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy backdrop in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs likewise had a hard time for the most part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as valuation pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF considerably surpassed. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, reflecting selective allowance rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of items drawing in brand-new capital. This indicates that investors were targeting particular exposures, while reducing or rotating out of others.

Trading activity remained consistent, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, making it possible for investors to change positions without substantial primary productions or redemptions.

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

Q1 2026 revealed some progress relating 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 belief and rates throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional assets.

How Is Operational Excellence Crucial for 2026 Expansion?

Despite continuous geopolitical tensions and security risks across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate strength, keeping favorable development momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the larger region and worldwide financial uncertainty remain a structural restriction, GCC countries have actually so far limited their effect on domestic financial efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and sustained investment.

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

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks international development alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would position the region 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

How Does Business Excellence Vital for 2026 Expansion?

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as governments broaden investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is forecasted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, improving credit conditions, and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures targeted at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play an encouraging function 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 worldwide 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 a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Advanced Planning for Regional Leadership

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for 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 throughout the GCC is projected to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and rising financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures intended at attracting foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation 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 earnings are anticipated to play a supportive function in 2026.