Key Shifts in the 2026 Middle East Economy

Inform method with evidence: Usage independent data on market confidence, development, and client need to direct your tactical instructions. Validate investment strategies: Ensure resource allotment and efforts are backed by trustworthy market insight. Accelerate positive choices: Gear up members of your executive group with clear, actionable insight to reach arrangement quickly and take definitive action.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

1 GCC, "HE GCCSG: The FTA between the GCC and the UK is a Significant Strategic Opportunity to Raise Economic Relations to New Horizons," October 20252 GCC, "Joint Statement on Economic Cooperation In Between the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)," Might 2025 3 IMEC, "India-Middle East-Europe Economic Passage (IMEC) Development Update," April 20254 WAM, "UAE's CEPA programme reinforces global financial ties with 26 strategic agreements," March 20255 Muscat Daily, "Oman, India set to sign open market pact 'soon'," September 20256 India Embassy Qatar, "India-Qatar Bilateral Relations," June 20257 Reuters, "Qatar's QIA prepares to a minimum of double annual United States investments over next years," Might 2025; WAM, "US$ 110 billion in UAE investments in Africa position nation as world's fourth-largest financier," October 2025; Whitehouse, "Truth Sheet: President Donald J.

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Ways to Utilize GCC Research for Growth

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ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

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Why Is Business Excellence Crucial for 2026 Expansion?

The GCC ETF market gone into Q1 2026 in a debt consolidation phase, with activity staying raised but growth slowing. Total possessions held broadly consistent over the quarter, while trading levels indicated continued repositioning and as a reaction to geopolitical news instead of a significant brand-new capital implementation. Global macro conditions set a challenging backdrop.

The result was a quarter defined by volatility, dispersion, and selective positioning, rather than a clear directional pattern. Oil related assets succeeded for the most part. On the favorable side, in January, the Boreas Outright High-end ETF released on ADX to add more thematic ETFs. Also in Q1, 2 more Kraneshares have been authorized for launch by the Capital Market Authority (CMA) and are about to be approved by the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange (ADX). The GCC ETF universe made up 39 ETFs with a total AUM of $9.35 billion (since Q1 2026). Performance across the marketplace was broadly negative, with just 13 ETFs providing positive returns compared to 26 in decline. Overall, the information shows a market that is active however narrow, with capital and liquidity concentrated in a small subset of products.

Efficiency in Q1 2026 was driven by a narrow group of idiosyncratic winners, rather than broad market strength. The leading ETFs were focused in specific country direct exposures and products, especially Turkey, Saudi petrochemicals, gold, and Egypt. Nations like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt were durable throughout the quarter. Saudi Arabia's oil direct exposure supported its local market, with Aramco reaching brand-new highs amidst greater oil rates, as well as its continued ability to export oil through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which stays open.

Ways to Utilize Market Research for Growth

Egypt delivered strong performance in January and February. In spite of a market pullback in March due to the war, both Egypt's market and its ETFs still published favorable returns for the quarter. The continuous Middle East conflict and resulting energy shock have improved the outlook for emerging market equities in between the oil-haves and the oil-have-nots.

The sector likewise dealt with wider macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy background in China and global risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy costs. Thematic ETFs likewise had a hard time for the most part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as evaluation pressures and global rate characteristics weighed on performance.

Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allocation rather than broad market involvement. Regardless of weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a little number of products attracting brand-new capital.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Strategic Strategy for GCC Excellence

Trading activity stayed stable, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, enabling investors to adjust positions without considerable primary productions or redemptions.

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

Q1 2026 showed some development associating with ETFs in the GCC. We expect more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has actually impacted belief and rates throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional properties.

Regardless of ongoing geopolitical tensions and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate resilience, maintaining favorable growth momentum recently. While conflicts in the broader area and worldwide economic unpredictability remain a structural restriction, GCC countries have up until now restricted their effect on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and sustained investment.