Ways to Utilize GCC Intelligence for Growth

The sector likewise faced wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy background in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy costs. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the many part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and global rate dynamics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF substantially outperformed. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, reflecting selective allotment instead of broad market participation. Regardless of weak efficiency, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of items attracting new capital. This indicates that investors were targeting specific exposures, while lowering or rotating out of others.

Trading activity stayed consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have actually taken place in the secondary market, making it possible for financiers to adjust positions without substantial primary developments or redemptions.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on worldwide high-end 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 anticipated to release in April pending a final approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some progress associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has affected sentiment and rates throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional assets.

Ways to Utilize GCC Intelligence for Growth

In spite of continuous geopolitical tensions and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate strength, maintaining positive growth momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the broader area and worldwide financial uncertainty remain a structural constraint, GCC countries have so far restricted their influence on domestic economic performance through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and continual financial 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 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 positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would position the area materially ahead of the world average and a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

How to Leverage GCC Intelligence for 2026 Success

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 actually continued to rise as federal governments broaden investment in services, infrastructure, 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures focused on bring in foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil incomes are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up 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, reflecting a shift toward more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that comparison, 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, strengthening the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Why Does Operational Excellence Vital for 2026 Expansion?

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to increase as federal 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 facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures focused on attracting foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.