How to Utilize GCC Research for Success

The sector also dealt with broader macro headwinds, including a more cautious policy backdrop in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs also struggled for the most part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as assessment pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF significantly exceeded. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, showing selective allowance rather than broad market involvement. Despite weak performance, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of items attracting new capital. This shows that investors were targeting particular exposures, while decreasing or rotating out of others.

Trading activity remained consistent, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, enabling investors to adjust positions without substantial main developments or redemptions.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic direct exposure focused on international luxury and customer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

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

How to Leverage GCC Intelligence for Growth

Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show resilience, maintaining favorable growth momentum over the last few years. While conflicts in the broader area and worldwide financial unpredictability remain a structural restriction, GCC countries have actually up until now limited their influence on domestic economic performance through strong financial positions, policy connection, and sustained financial investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise 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 towards more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies just above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

Why Is Operational Excellence Vital for Future Expansion?

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 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, enhancing credit conditions, and rising financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy measures focused on bring in foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil revenues are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.

3.2 percent development 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 positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide growth relieving 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would position the region 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Essential Tips for Optimizing Dubai Industrial Growth

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to increase as federal governments expand investment in services, facilities, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is projected to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and rising financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures aimed at attracting foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the area's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a supportive function in 2026.