Maximizing ROI Via Modern GCC Market Intelligence

The sector likewise dealt with broader macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy backdrop in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs also had a hard time for the most part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as assessment pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on performance.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, reflecting selective allotment rather than broad market participation. Despite weak efficiency, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of products drawing in new capital.

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

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on worldwide high-end and customer brands. 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 release in April pending a last approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has affected sentiment and rates during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional properties.

Why Does Business Excellence Vital for Future Expansion?

Despite continuous geopolitical tensions and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate durability, maintaining favorable development momentum in recent years. While conflicts in the broader region and global economic unpredictability remain a structural restriction, GCC nations have so far limited their influence on domestic economic efficiency through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual financial investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development 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) jobs international growth alleviating 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position the area 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 threat conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

Why Is Operational Excellence Vital for 2026 Growth?

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as governments broaden investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across 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 facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps 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 minimize the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.

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

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative 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 position 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 threat conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Utilize GCC Research for Growth

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to rise as federal governments broaden investment in services, facilities, 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps focused on attracting foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.