Improving ROI Through Data-Driven Middle East Market Intelligence

The sector likewise faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy backdrop in China and global risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy prices. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the many part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on performance.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, showing selective allowance rather than broad market participation. Despite weak performance, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of items drawing in new capital.

Trading activity stayed steady, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, enabling financiers to adjust positions without significant main developments or redemptions. While current geopolitical events have resulted in more monetary pressure on GCC nations, the region remains resistant and well capitalized to handle the situation.

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

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

How to Utilize GCC Research for Success

Despite continuous geopolitical tensions and security dangers throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate resilience, keeping favorable growth momentum in current years. While disputes in the broader area and worldwide financial unpredictability stay a structural restriction, GCC nations have so far restricted their effect on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual investment.

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, reflecting a shift towards more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks international growth easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies simply above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Why Does Business Excellence Vital for 2026 Growth?

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to rise as governments broaden investment in services, infrastructure, 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps aimed at attracting foreign direct investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the area's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil incomes are expected to play a supportive 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 similarly 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 favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs worldwide development relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would place 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 risk conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Achieving Strategic Excellence in Regional Markets

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in innovation and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures focused on drawing in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil incomes are expected to play a supportive function in 2026.