Ways to Utilize Market Intelligence for Growth

The sector also faced broader macro headwinds, including a more cautious policy background in China and worldwide risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the most part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF significantly outshined. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, reflecting selective allotment rather than broad market participation. Despite weak efficiency, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of items bring in brand-new capital. This suggests that investors were targeting specific exposures, while reducing or turning out of others.

Trading activity remained steady, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have actually taken place in the secondary market, making it possible for investors to change positions without considerable main creations or redemptions.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic exposure concentrated on worldwide 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 release in April pending a last approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has impacted sentiment and prices during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local possessions.

Comparing Innovative Models Versus Traditional Frameworks

Regardless of continuous geopolitical tensions and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show resilience, keeping favorable development momentum in recent years. While disputes in the broader area and international financial uncertainty remain a structural constraint, GCC countries have actually up until now restricted their impact on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and sustained 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 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 positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global growth relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies just above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would place the area 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

How to Leverage GCC Research for 2026 Growth

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to increase as federal governments expand financial 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, improving credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures aimed at attracting foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a helpful function in 2026.

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

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international growth relieving 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, enhancing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Corporate Planning for Middle East Excellence

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to increase as governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, 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 investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

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