Advanced Strategy for Regional Leadership

The sector likewise dealt with broader macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy backdrop in China and global risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the a lot of part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as valuation pressures and international rate characteristics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF substantially outperformed. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allowance rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products drawing in new capital. This indicates that investors were targeting specific exposures, while decreasing or rotating out of others.

Trading activity remained steady, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Most activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, enabling financiers to change positions without considerable primary creations or redemptions.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic exposure concentrated on global luxury and customer brands. Momentum continued into April with the approval of KraneShares AGIX and KWIN ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX. These funds are anticipated to launch in April pending a last approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 showed 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 impacted sentiment and costs during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local properties.

How to Leverage GCC Research for Growth

Despite continuous geopolitical tensions and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate resilience, preserving positive growth momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the wider region and worldwide economic uncertainty remain a structural restraint, GCC nations have so far limited their effect on domestic financial performance through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and continual investment.

3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth predicted to rise 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) tasks international growth alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced 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, reinforcing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

How to Leverage Market Research for 2026 Growth

Information from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to rise as federal governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is forecasted to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, improving credit conditions, and rising financial investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps targeted at attracting foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil incomes are expected to play a helpful role in 2026.

3.2 percent development 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 positive overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international development easing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative 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 position the region materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Utilize Market Intelligence for 2026 Growth

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 actually continued to rise as governments expand 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, improving credit conditions, and increasing financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy procedures intended at attracting foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the area's exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.