Emerging Trends in the 2026 GCC Economy

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Strategic Strategy for Middle East Excellence

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Advanced Strategy for GCC Excellence

Total properties held broadly constant over the quarter, while trading levels pointed to continued repositioning and as a reaction to geopolitical news rather than a meaningful new capital release. International macro conditions set a difficult background.

The result was a quarter defined by volatility, dispersion, and selective positioning, instead of a clear directional trend. Oil related possessions did well for the most part. On the favorable side, in January, the Boreas Outright High-end ETF introduced on ADX to add more thematic ETFs. In Q1, 2 more Kraneshares have actually been authorized for launch by the Capital Market Authority (CMA) and will be authorized by the Abu Dhabi Stock Market (ADX). The GCC ETF universe made up 39 ETFs with an overall AUM of $9.35 billion (as of Q1 2026). Performance across the market was broadly unfavorable, with just 13 ETFs delivering positive returns compared to 26 in decrease. Efficiency in Q1 2026 was driven by a narrow group of distinctive winners, rather than broad market strength.

Navigating GCC Business Strategies for Scalable Success

Egypt delivered strong efficiency in January and February. Despite 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 actually reshaped the outlook for emerging market equities in between the oil-haves and the oil-have-nots.

The sector likewise faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy backdrop in China and global risk-off belief driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy prices. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the most part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth technology, as appraisal pressures and worldwide rate characteristics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF significantly surpassed. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely concentrated, showing selective allowance instead of broad market participation. In spite of weak performance, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of products drawing in new capital. This shows that financiers were targeting specific exposures, while reducing or rotating out of others.

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Strategic Planning for GCC Excellence

Trading activity stayed constant, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have taken location in the secondary market, making it possible for investors to adjust positions without substantial main productions or redemptions. While recent geopolitical events have resulted in more monetary pressure on GCC nations, the area stays resilient and well capitalized to deal with the scenario.

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

Q1 2026 showed some progress relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has actually impacted sentiment and prices throughout the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local possessions.

In spite of continuous geopolitical tensions and security risks across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate resilience, preserving positive growth momentum recently. While conflicts in the wider area and international financial uncertainty stay a structural restraint, GCC countries have actually up until now restricted their effect on domestic economic efficiency through strong financial positions, policy connection, and sustained financial investment.