Maximizing ROI Through Data-Driven GCC Market Intelligence

The sector likewise dealt with broader macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy backdrop in China and global risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the most part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as assessment pressures and international rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF considerably outshined. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, reflecting selective allotment rather than broad market participation. Despite weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of products drawing in new capital. This suggests that investors were targeting particular direct exposures, while minimizing or rotating out of others.

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

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on worldwide luxury and consumer 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 expected to release in April pending a last approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some development associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the conflict has impacted sentiment and costs throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional properties.

Strategic Strategy for Middle East Excellence

Regardless of continuous geopolitical stress and security risks across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show resilience, preserving favorable development momentum over the last few years. While conflicts in the wider region and international financial uncertainty remain a structural constraint, GCC countries have actually up until now restricted their effect on domestic economic performance through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and sustained investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent usually in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks worldwide development easing 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 put 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 remain included and reform momentum holds.

Why Does Operational Excellence Crucial for Future Growth?

Data 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 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, 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 steps aimed at drawing in foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more favorable total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide growth 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would put the region materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Why Is Operational Excellence Crucial for Future Expansion?

Data 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 increase as governments broaden financial 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 rising 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 financial investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the region's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.