Strategic Planning for Regional Leadership

The sector likewise dealt with broader macro headwinds, consisting of a more cautious policy background in China and worldwide risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs likewise had a hard time for the a lot of part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as appraisal pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF substantially outperformed. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, reflecting selective allowance rather than broad market participation. Regardless of weak efficiency, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of items drawing in new capital. This suggests that financiers were targeting particular exposures, while reducing or rotating out of others.

Trading activity remained steady, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, allowing financiers to adjust positions without substantial primary developments or redemptions.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic exposure focused on international luxury and consumer 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 anticipated to introduce in April pending a last approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some progress relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has affected sentiment and prices throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional assets.

How to Leverage Market Intelligence for Growth

In spite of continuous geopolitical stress and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate resilience, preserving positive development momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the wider region and global financial unpredictability remain a structural constraint, GCC nations have actually up until now limited their impact on domestic financial performance through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and continual investment.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development forecasted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift toward more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced 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 put 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 regional risk conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

Strategic Strategy for Middle East Success

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as governments expand investment in services, facilities, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is forecasted 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 stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps targeted at bring in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.

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 development projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent typically in 2025, showing a shift toward more favorable overall 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 developing 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 slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Essential Findings Within 2026 GCC Market Research Reports

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to rise as federal governments expand investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is forecasted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps targeted at bring in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.