Navigating the Upcoming GCC Economic Environment for Executives

The sector also faced wider macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy backdrop in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy costs. Thematic ETFs likewise had a hard time for the many part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as appraisal pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF significantly outshined. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, showing selective allotment rather than broad market participation. Regardless of weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of items bring in new capital. This suggests that investors were targeting specific exposures, while lowering or rotating out of others.

Trading activity stayed consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger 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 substantial primary productions or redemptions. While recent geopolitical events have led to more monetary pressure on GCC nations, the area remains resistant and well capitalized to handle the circumstance.

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

Q1 2026 revealed some progress connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the conflict has actually affected belief and costs throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local properties.

Key Data From 2026 Regional Market Research Reports

Regardless of continuous geopolitical stress and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show resilience, keeping favorable growth momentum over the last few years. While conflicts in the larger area and international financial uncertainty stay a structural restraint, GCC countries have so far restricted their impact on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual financial investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, reflecting a shift toward more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies just above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would place 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local danger conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

Improving ROI Through Advanced GCC Market Intelligence

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

Public-sector investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps intended at attracting foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the area's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the development outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play a supportive function in 2026.

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 projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global growth relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced 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, reinforcing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Advanced Strategy for GCC Leadership

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already represent 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 across the GCC is forecasted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and rising investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy measures aimed at attracting foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and decrease the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.