How Is Business Excellence Crucial for 2026 Expansion?

The sector likewise dealt with wider macro headwinds, including a more careful policy background in China and international risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the most part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as evaluation pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, showing selective allotment rather than broad market involvement. Regardless of weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of products drawing in new capital.

Trading activity stayed consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have actually taken place in the secondary market, allowing investors to change positions without considerable main creations or redemptions. While current geopolitical events have resulted in more financial pressure on GCC countries, the area remains resilient and well capitalized to handle the scenario.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic direct exposure focused on worldwide luxury and customer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some progress relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has impacted sentiment and prices throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional assets.

How to Leverage Market Intelligence for 2026 Success

In spite of continuous geopolitical tensions and security threats across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show durability, keeping positive growth momentum in the last few years. While disputes in the broader region and international economic uncertainty stay a structural restraint, GCC nations have actually so far restricted their impact on domestic economic efficiency through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual investment.

3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. 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 towards more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks international development reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated 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 put the area 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 remain contained and reform momentum holds.

How to Utilize GCC Research for 2026 Growth

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 rise as governments expand investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. 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 increasing financial investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain 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 lower the area's direct exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil earnings are expected to play a supportive role in 2026.

3.2 percent development in 2025, speeding up to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development predicted 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 international growth easing 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would place the area materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions stay contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How Does Operational Excellence Essential for 2026 Growth?

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

Public-sector investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy procedures focused on bring in foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and reduce the area's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.