How to Utilize Market Research for 2026 Growth

The sector likewise faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, including a more cautious policy backdrop in China and global risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy costs. Thematic ETFs also had a hard time for the many part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as valuation pressures and global rate dynamics weighed on performance.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, reflecting selective allocation rather than broad market participation. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of products bring in new capital.

Trading activity stayed steady, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have occurred in the secondary market, allowing investors to adjust positions without substantial main productions or redemptions. While recent geopolitical occasions have actually resulted in more financial pressure on GCC countries, the area remains resistant and well capitalized to deal with the situation.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic direct exposure focused on global luxury and consumer 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 connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the conflict has affected sentiment and prices throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local properties.

How to Leverage Market Intelligence for Growth

In spite of ongoing geopolitical stress and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate strength, maintaining positive growth momentum in recent years. While conflicts in the broader region and worldwide financial uncertainty stay a structural restriction, 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 development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. 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 positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks global growth relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put the region 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

Ways to Utilize GCC Intelligence for 2026 Growth

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to increase as governments broaden financial 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 financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures focused on attracting foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating 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 toward more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks global growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies simply above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would put 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 local risk conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How Is Operational Excellence Vital for 2026 Expansion?

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as federal governments broaden investment in services, facilities, and technology. 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 facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps intended at drawing in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding 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 dominate the development outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.