Crucial Data Within Latest Regional Market Research Reports

The sector also faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, including a more cautious policy backdrop in China and worldwide risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs likewise had a hard time for the most part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as appraisal pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, reflecting selective allowance rather than broad market involvement. Despite weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of items drawing in brand-new capital.

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

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic exposure concentrated on global luxury and customer 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 expected to release in April pending a final approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some progress associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has affected belief and prices during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local properties.

Ways to Leverage GCC Intelligence for 2026 Growth

Despite ongoing geopolitical stress and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show resilience, preserving positive development momentum over the last few years. While conflicts in the wider region and worldwide financial uncertainty remain a structural restraint, GCC countries have so far limited their effect on domestic economic efficiency through strong financial positions, policy connection, and sustained investment.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international 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 position the region 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

Why Does Business Excellence Crucial for Future Expansion?

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 federal governments broaden 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, enhancing credit conditions, and rising financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps targeted at bring in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.

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, reflecting a shift toward more favorable total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide 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 expansion would place 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Leverage GCC Intelligence for 2026 Success

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

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures focused on drawing in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.