Key Data Within 2026 GCC Market Research Reports

The sector likewise faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more cautious policy backdrop in China and worldwide risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the many part, especially those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as valuation pressures and global rate dynamics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF substantially outperformed. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allowance rather than broad market involvement. Regardless of weak efficiency, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of products attracting brand-new capital. This suggests that investors were targeting specific direct exposures, while reducing or rotating out of others.

Trading activity stayed consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have happened in the secondary market, allowing financiers to adjust positions without substantial primary productions or redemptions. While current geopolitical occasions have actually resulted in more financial pressure on GCC nations, the region stays resistant and well capitalized to deal with the circumstance.

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

Q1 2026 showed some development connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has actually affected sentiment and rates throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.

Essential Strategies for Driving Dubai Sector Success

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 durability, preserving favorable development momentum in the last few years. While disputes in the wider area and international economic unpredictability remain a structural restriction, GCC nations have actually so far limited their influence on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual investment.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more favorable general 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 just above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put 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 relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions stay included and reform momentum holds.

Ways to Utilize Market Research for 2026 Success

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors already account for more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as federal governments broaden investment in services, facilities, and innovation. 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 steps intended at attracting foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership rules, broadening capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and lower the area's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a supportive role in 2026.

3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development projected to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more favorable general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) projects global development alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative 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 somewhat above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional risk conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Strategic Strategy for Regional Success

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

Public-sector investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps focused on bring in foreign direct financial investment, alleviating foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil growth and minimize the region's exposure to oil cost volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil profits are anticipated to play a supportive function in 2026.