Ways to Leverage GCC Research for 2026 Success

The sector also faced wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy background in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs likewise had a hard time for the many part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as appraisal pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF significantly surpassed. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, showing selective allowance instead of broad market involvement. Regardless of weak efficiency, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products bring in new capital. This shows that investors were targeting specific direct exposures, while decreasing or turning out of others.

Trading activity stayed steady, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, allowing financiers to adjust positions without significant primary creations or redemptions.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic direct exposure concentrated on international high-end and consumer 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 expected to introduce in April pending a final approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed 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 affected belief and rates during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local assets.

Mastering Regional Corporate Frameworks for Scalable Success

In spite of continuous geopolitical tensions and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate strength, keeping positive development momentum recently. While conflicts in the broader region and international financial unpredictability remain a structural restraint, GCC nations have actually up until now restricted their impact on domestic economic performance 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 growth predicted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks worldwide development relieving 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would put 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Corporate Planning for GCC Success

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as federal governments expand 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, improving credit conditions, and rising financial investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures targeted at attracting foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil incomes are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.

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

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide development relieving 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 place the area materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How to Leverage GCC Research for Success

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to increase as governments expand financial investment in services, facilities, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is forecasted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, improving credit conditions, and rising investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps intended at attracting foreign direct investment, relieving 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 rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a helpful function in 2026.