How to Leverage GCC Research for 2026 Success

The sector likewise dealt with more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy backdrop in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs likewise had a hard time for the many part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as appraisal pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, reflecting selective allotment rather than broad market involvement. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products bring in new capital.

Trading activity remained consistent, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have actually happened in the secondary market, making it possible for financiers to adjust positions without significant main developments or redemptions. While recent geopolitical events have led to more monetary pressure on GCC countries, the region remains resilient and well capitalized to handle the circumstance.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic exposure focused on global high-end and customer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some development associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the conflict has actually impacted belief and prices during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.

Advanced Planning for GCC Success

Regardless of ongoing 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 recently. While disputes in the broader region and international financial unpredictability remain a structural restriction, GCC countries have so far restricted their influence on domestic economic performance through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent usually in 2025, showing a shift towards more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide growth reducing 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 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

Corporate Planning for Middle East Excellence

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise 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 innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures aimed at bring in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the area's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are expected 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 similarly 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 towards more favorable total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide development easing 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would put the area materially ahead of the world average and a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Utilize Market Research for 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 broaden financial investment in services, facilities, and technology. 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 financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures focused on attracting foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.