How to Leverage GCC Research for 2026 Growth

The sector likewise faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, including a more cautious policy backdrop in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs also struggled for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as assessment pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, reflecting selective allowance rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak performance, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of products attracting new capital.

Trading activity stayed consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have actually happened in the secondary market, making it possible for financiers to change positions without considerable primary productions or redemptions. While current geopolitical occasions have resulted in more monetary pressure on GCC countries, the area stays resistant and well capitalized to deal with the circumstance.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic exposure focused on worldwide high-end and customer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed 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 affected sentiment and rates during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local properties.

Strategic Strategy for GCC Excellence

Despite ongoing geopolitical stress and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show resilience, keeping positive growth momentum recently. While disputes in the wider region and worldwide economic unpredictability stay a structural constraint, GCC nations have actually up until now restricted their impact on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and sustained financial investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development predicted 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) projects international development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative 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 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

How to Leverage Market Intelligence for Growth

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as federal governments broaden 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 rising investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures targeted at bring in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil incomes are expected to play a helpful role 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 growth predicted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects international growth 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 growth would position 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Scaling Corporate Growth Across Dubai and the GCC

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as federal governments expand financial investment in services, facilities, and technology. 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, improving credit conditions, and rising investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted at bring in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil revenues are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.