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Inform technique with evidence: Use independent information on market self-confidence, development, and client need to direct your tactical direction. Confirm financial investment strategies: Guarantee resource allotment and efforts are backed by credible market insight. Speed up positive decisions: Equip members of your executive group with clear, actionable insight to reach contract quickly and take decisive action.
1 GCC, "HE GCCSG: The FTA between the GCC and the UK is a Major Strategic Opportunity to Raise Economic Relations to New Horizons," October 20252 GCC, "Joint Statement on Economic Cooperation 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) Progress Update," April 20254 WAM, "UAE's CEPA program enhances global economic ties with 26 tactical arrangements," March 20255 Muscat Daily, "Oman, India set to sign totally free trade pact 'soon'," September 20256 India Embassy Qatar, "India-Qatar Bilateral Relations," June 20257 Reuters, "Qatar's QIA plans to a minimum of double annual United States investments over next years," May 2025; WAM, "US$ 110 billion in UAE investments in Africa position nation as world's fourth-largest investor," October 2025; Whitehouse, "Truth Sheet: President Donald J.
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The GCC ETF market gone into Q1 2026 in a debt consolidation phase, with activity remaining elevated but growth slowing. Total properties held broadly stable over the quarter, while trading levels pointed to continued rearranging and as a response to geopolitical news instead of a meaningful new capital release. Worldwide macro conditions set a challenging backdrop.
The result was a quarter specified by volatility, dispersion, and selective positioning, instead of a clear directional pattern. Oil related properties did well for the a lot of part. On the positive side, in January, the Boreas Absolute Luxury ETF released on ADX to add more thematic ETFs. Likewise in Q1, 2 more Kraneshares have actually been authorized for launch by the Capital Market Authority (CMA) and are about to be authorized by the Abu Dhabi Stock Market (ADX). The GCC ETF universe consisted of 39 ETFs with a total AUM of $9.35 billion (as of Q1 2026). Efficiency throughout the marketplace was broadly unfavorable, with just 13 ETFs providing favorable returns compared to 26 in decline. Overall, the data shows a market that is active but narrow, with capital and liquidity focused in a little subset of items.
Efficiency in Q1 2026 was driven by a narrow group of idiosyncratic winners, rather than broad market strength. The leading ETFs were concentrated in particular country direct exposures and commodities, particularly Turkey, Saudi petrochemicals, gold, and Egypt. Nations like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt were resilient throughout the quarter. Saudi Arabia's oil direct exposure supported its regional market, with Aramco reaching new highs in the middle of greater oil prices, in addition to its continued ability to export oil through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which remains open.
Egypt provided strong efficiency 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 positive returns for the quarter. The ongoing Middle East conflict and resulting energy shock have reshaped the outlook for emerging market equities in between the oil-haves and the oil-have-nots.
The sector also faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more mindful policy backdrop in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and higher energy prices. Thematic ETFs also struggled for the a lot of part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as valuation pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on performance.
The petrochemical ETF significantly exceeded. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, reflecting selective allotment rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of products bring in new capital. This suggests that investors were targeting particular exposures, while reducing or turning out of others.
Trading activity stayed constant, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have actually taken place in the secondary market, allowing investors to adjust positions without substantial main creations or redemptions.
In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic direct exposure focused on global high-end and consumer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.
Q1 2026 revealed some development connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has affected belief and costs throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional properties.
Predicting the Next Middle East Corporate EnvironmentIn spite of continuous geopolitical tensions and security dangers throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show strength, preserving positive growth momentum in current years. While disputes in the broader region and global economic unpredictability remain a structural restriction, GCC nations have up until now restricted their effect on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual investment.
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