Leading the 2026 Regional Economic Landscape for Executives

The sector likewise dealt with broader macro headwinds, including a more careful policy background in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF considerably exceeded. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, showing selective allowance rather than broad market involvement. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of items drawing in brand-new capital. This suggests that financiers were targeting specific direct exposures, while reducing or turning out of others.

Trading activity remained constant, with typical 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 taken place in the secondary market, allowing investors to adjust positions without considerable primary developments or redemptions.

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

Q1 2026 revealed some development connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has impacted belief and costs throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.

Corporate Planning for GCC Leadership

In spite of ongoing geopolitical stress and security risks across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate strength, maintaining favorable development momentum over the last few years. While conflicts in the larger area and international financial uncertainty remain a structural constraint, GCC countries have up until now limited their effect on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and continual investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, jobs 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF likewise sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth projected to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift toward more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks worldwide growth reducing to 3.1 percent in 2026, with sophisticated economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies just above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would put 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions remain consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Driving Operational Excellence in the GCC

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as federal governments expand financial 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, improving credit conditions, and increasing investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures focused on drawing in foreign direct financial investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the region's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil profits are expected to play a helpful role in 2026.

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

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global development easing 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 place the area materially ahead of the world average and a little above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a fairly high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Major Developments in the 2026 GCC Market

Data from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to increase as governments expand 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, improving credit conditions, and rising investment in innovation and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy measures targeted at bring in foreign direct investment, reducing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and minimize the region's direct exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer control the growth outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play an encouraging function in 2026.