Mastering GCC Business Frameworks for Scalable Operations

The sector likewise dealt with wider macro headwinds, including a more cautious policy backdrop in China and worldwide risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs also had a hard time for the many part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as appraisal pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, reflecting selective allocation rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products bring in new capital.

Trading activity stayed consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have actually happened in the secondary market, allowing financiers to adjust positions without significant primary productions or redemptions. While recent geopolitical events have resulted in more monetary pressure on GCC countries, the area stays resistant and well capitalized to deal with the circumstance.

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

Q1 2026 revealed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the conflict has impacted sentiment and rates throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.

Key Insights From 2026 Regional Market Research Reports

Regardless of ongoing geopolitical stress and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show durability, keeping positive development momentum in the last few years. While disputes in the broader region and global economic unpredictability stay a structural restriction, GCC nations have up until now restricted their influence on domestic economic efficiency through strong fiscal positions, policy connection, and continual financial 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, reflecting a shift toward more positive total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global growth reducing 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 comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion 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 local threat conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

Leading the Upcoming Regional Economic Landscape for Executives

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

Public-sector financial investment and reform stay central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps targeted at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, 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 dominate the development outlook, oil profits are expected to play an encouraging role in 2026.

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 forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent usually in 2025, reflecting a shift towards more favorable overall conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs global development reducing 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 contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put the region materially ahead of the world average and somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, strengthening the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that local risk conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How Does Operational Excellence Crucial for 2026 Growth?

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors already represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has continued to rise as governments broaden financial investment in services, facilities, 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, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this pattern. Policy measures targeted at drawing in foreign direct financial investment, relieving foreign ownership rules, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the region's exposure to oil price volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil earnings are anticipated to play a helpful role in 2026.