How Is Operational Excellence Crucial for 2026 Growth?

The sector likewise faced wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy backdrop in China and global risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy rates. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the many part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as appraisal pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF considerably exceeded. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allowance rather than broad market participation. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products attracting new capital. This shows that financiers were targeting particular exposures, while minimizing or turning out of others.

Trading activity remained consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have actually happened in the secondary market, making it possible for financiers to change positions without significant main productions or redemptions. While current geopolitical occasions have resulted in more financial pressure on GCC nations, the area remains resistant and well capitalized to handle the scenario.

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

Q1 2026 revealed some development connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the conflict has impacted belief and costs during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local possessions.

Strategic Strategy for GCC Leadership

Despite ongoing geopolitical stress and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show durability, preserving favorable development momentum in recent years. While conflicts in the larger area and worldwide financial uncertainty stay a structural constraint, GCC countries have up until now limited their impact on domestic financial efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and continual 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 Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted 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) tasks global growth reducing 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 place the area 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

How to Utilize Market Research for 2026 Success

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to increase as federal governments expand investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. 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 technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps focused on bring in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a supportive function in 2026.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development forecasted 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 global development alleviating 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 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 fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Leverage Market Intelligence for 2026 Success

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to increase as federal governments broaden investment in services, infrastructure, 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures focused on attracting foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the area's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a helpful function in 2026.