Strategic Strategy for GCC Success

The sector also faced wider macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy background in China and worldwide risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy prices. Thematic ETFs likewise struggled for the most part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as evaluation pressures and global rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, showing selective allotment rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of products drawing in new capital.

Trading activity remained consistent, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have occurred in the secondary market, making it possible for financiers to adjust positions without considerable primary developments or redemptions. While current geopolitical events have actually resulted in more monetary pressure on GCC countries, the area stays durable and well capitalized to deal with the scenario.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic direct exposure focused on international luxury and consumer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some progress associating with ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the conflict has actually impacted belief and prices during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local possessions.

Corporate Strategy for GCC Leadership

Regardless of continuous geopolitical tensions and security dangers throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate strength, keeping favorable growth momentum in current years. While disputes in the wider area and global financial unpredictability stay a structural restraint, GCC countries have up until now restricted their effect on domestic economic efficiency through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and continual 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, showing a shift towards more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global development reducing 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion 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 regional risk conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

Advanced Strategy for GCC Leadership

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as federal governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is predicted 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 investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures aimed at attracting foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the region's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play an encouraging role in 2026.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating 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 towards more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide development reducing 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 growth would position the region 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 stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Leading the 2026 GCC Economic Environment for Executives

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 continued to rise as federal governments expand financial investment in services, facilities, and innovation. 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 rising investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy steps targeted at bring in foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil earnings are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.