Crucial Findings From 2026 GCC Market Research Reports

The sector also dealt with more comprehensive macro headwinds, including a more careful policy background in China and worldwide risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the many part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on performance.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, reflecting selective allotment rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak performance, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of items drawing in new capital.

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

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

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

Advanced Planning for GCC Success

Despite continuous geopolitical stress and security dangers throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show strength, preserving positive development momentum in recent years. While disputes in the broader region and international financial unpredictability stay a structural constraint, GCC nations have actually so far restricted their effect on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual financial investment.

3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up 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 towards more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would put the region 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Corporate Planning for GCC Leadership

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to rise as governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. 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, enhancing credit conditions, and rising financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures 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 lower the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are expected to play an encouraging function in 2026.

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

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks international development easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies simply 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 local threat conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Why Does Business Excellence Vital for 2026 Growth?

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as 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 main to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps intended at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a supportive function in 2026.