Strategic Strategy for Regional Success

The sector also faced broader macro headwinds, including a more cautious policy background in China and global 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 technology, as valuation pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF substantially surpassed. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, reflecting selective allotment rather than broad market participation. Despite weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of items drawing in brand-new capital. This indicates that financiers were targeting specific direct exposures, while minimizing or turning out of others.

Trading activity remained consistent, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have taken location in the secondary market, enabling financiers to adjust positions without substantial main productions or redemptions.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic exposure focused on international high-end and customer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some development connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has impacted sentiment and costs during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local assets.

Navigating the 2026 Regional Economic Environment for Executives

In spite of ongoing geopolitical tensions and security threats throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate resilience, preserving positive growth momentum in the last few years. While conflicts in the broader region and global financial unpredictability stay a structural constraint, GCC countries have so far limited their effect on domestic financial performance through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and continual financial investment.

3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide growth alleviating 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 put the region materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

Ways to Leverage Market Intelligence for Success

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as governments expand investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is projected to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures aimed at drawing in foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced 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 place the area materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Utilize GCC Research for 2026 Success

Information 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 rise as governments expand investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. 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 financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.