How to Utilize GCC Intelligence for Success

The sector likewise dealt with wider macro headwinds, including a more careful policy background in China and global risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the many part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as appraisal pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF substantially surpassed. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, reflecting selective allocation instead of broad market involvement. Despite weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of products attracting brand-new capital. This shows that investors were targeting particular exposures, while reducing or rotating out of others.

Trading activity remained constant, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have occurred in the secondary market, allowing investors to adjust positions without significant main productions or redemptions. While current geopolitical occasions have actually led to more monetary pressure on GCC countries, the region remains resilient and well capitalized to handle the circumstance.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic direct exposure focused on global luxury 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 expected to launch in April pending a last approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some progress connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has actually impacted sentiment and costs during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional properties.

Corporate Strategy for Middle East Success

In spite of continuous geopolitical tensions and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate durability, maintaining positive development momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the broader region and global economic unpredictability stay a structural restriction, GCC countries have up until now limited their influence on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and continual financial investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects 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 comparison, 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 risk conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Key Findings Within Latest Regional Market Analysis Reports

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

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures aimed at bring in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil profits are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development forecasted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide development easing 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 region 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 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 2026 Success

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

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps focused on drawing in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the area's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.