How to Utilize Market Research for 2026 Growth

The sector also dealt with wider macro headwinds, including a more careful policy backdrop in China and worldwide risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy prices. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as evaluation pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF considerably exceeded. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, reflecting selective allotment instead of broad market involvement. In spite of weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of items bring in new capital. This indicates that financiers were targeting particular direct exposures, while lowering or turning out of others.

Trading activity remained steady, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have happened in the secondary market, making it possible for investors to adjust positions without considerable main creations or redemptions. While recent geopolitical events have actually resulted in more financial pressure on GCC countries, the region remains durable and well capitalized to deal with the situation.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a specific niche thematic direct exposure focused on global high-end and customer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some progress associating with 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 regional possessions.

Advanced Planning for Regional 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 positive development momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the broader area and global economic unpredictability stay a structural restriction, GCC countries have actually so far restricted their effect on domestic financial performance through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and sustained financial investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent usually in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects worldwide growth alleviating 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 expansion would position the area 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 local threat conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Why Is Operational Excellence Vital for Future Expansion?

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as governments broaden financial investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. 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 investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps intended at drawing in foreign direct investment, alleviating foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil growth and reduce the area's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil incomes are anticipated 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 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) tasks worldwide development reducing 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion 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 reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that local threat conditions remain included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How to Utilize Market Research for 2026 Growth

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has actually 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, improving credit conditions, and increasing investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps focused on attracting foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector involvement continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the region's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.