Major Developments in the 2026 Middle East Economy

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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 Declaration on Economic Cooperation Between the Association of the Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)," May 2025 3 IMEC, "India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) Progress Update," April 20254 WAM, "UAE's CEPA program reinforces worldwide economic ties with 26 strategic arrangements," 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 at least double annual US investments over next decade," Might 2025; WAM, "US$ 110 billion in UAE investments in Africa position nation as world's fourth-largest investor," October 2025; Whitehouse, "Fact Sheet: President Donald J.

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Key Findings Within 2026 Regional Market Analysis Reports

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ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

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How to Leverage GCC Intelligence for 2026 Success

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 brand-new capital implementation. Worldwide macro conditions set a tough backdrop.

The GCC ETF universe comprised 39 ETFs with an overall AUM of $9.35 billion (as of Q1 2026). Efficiency across the market was broadly negative, with just 13 ETFs delivering positive returns compared to 26 in decrease. Performance in Q1 2026 was driven by a narrow group of idiosyncratic winners, rather than broad market strength.

Corporate Strategy for Regional Leadership

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

The sector also dealt with more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy background in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy costs. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the most part, especially those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as valuation pressures and worldwide rate dynamics weighed on performance.

Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, reflecting selective allotment rather than broad market involvement. In spite of weak efficiency, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products bring in brand-new capital.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Ways to Utilize GCC Intelligence for 2026 Growth

Trading activity stayed steady, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have actually taken place in the secondary market, allowing financiers to adjust positions without considerable primary developments or redemptions.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic direct exposure focused on international high-end and consumer brands. Momentum continued into April with the approval of KraneShares AGIX and KWIN ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX. These funds are anticipated to release in April pending a last approval from 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 affected belief and costs throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local possessions.

Despite continuous geopolitical tensions and security risks throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate durability, maintaining favorable growth momentum recently. While disputes in the wider region and international economic uncertainty stay a structural restriction, GCC nations have up until now limited their impact on domestic economic performance through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual investment.