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Inform technique with evidence: Use independent information on market self-confidence, development, and client need to direct your tactical direction. Verify investment plans: Ensure resource allowance and initiatives are backed by reputable market insight. Speed up positive choices: Gear up members of your executive group with clear, actionable insight to reach agreement rapidly and take definitive action.

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 Passage (IMEC) Progress Update," April 20254 WAM, "UAE's CEPA programme reinforces international 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 yearly United States financial investments over next decade," Might 2025; WAM, "US$ 110 billion in UAE investments in Africa position country as world's fourth-largest financier," October 2025; Whitehouse, "Fact Sheet: President Donald J.
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Total assets held broadly stable over the quarter, while trading levels pointed to continued rearranging and as a reaction to geopolitical news rather than a meaningful new capital implementation. Global macro conditions set a tough backdrop.
The outcome was a quarter specified by volatility, dispersion, and selective positioning, rather than a clear directional trend. Oil associated properties did well for the most part. On the favorable side, in January, the Boreas Absolute Luxury ETF introduced on ADX to include more thematic ETFs. Likewise in Q1, 2 more Kraneshares have actually been approved for launch by the Capital Market Authority (CMA) and are about to be authorized by the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange (ADX). The GCC ETF universe comprised 39 ETFs with a total 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 idiosyncratic winners, rather than broad market strength.
Egypt delivered strong efficiency 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 faced broader macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy background in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy prices. Thematic ETFs Had a hard time for the a lot of part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as assessment pressures and international rate characteristics weighed on efficiency.
Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, reflecting selective allocation rather than broad market participation. In spite of weak performance, ETFs tape-recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of items bring in new capital.

Trading activity stayed constant, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have occurred in the secondary market, allowing investors to adjust positions without substantial main creations or redemptions. While current geopolitical occasions have resulted in more monetary pressure on GCC countries, the region remains resistant and well capitalized to handle the scenario.
In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a specific niche thematic exposure concentrated on global luxury 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 introduce in April pending a final approval from 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 costs throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local possessions.
Regardless of continuous geopolitical tensions and security risks across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to show strength, maintaining favorable growth momentum over the last few years. While conflicts in the larger area and global financial unpredictability remain a structural restriction, GCC countries have so far limited their effect on domestic financial performance through strong fiscal positions, policy continuity, and sustained financial investment.
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