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Inform method with proof: Use independent information on market self-confidence, growth, and customer demand to guide your tactical instructions. Validate investment plans: Make sure resource allotment and efforts are backed by reliable market insight. Accelerate confident choices: Equip members of your executive team with clear, actionable insight to reach agreement rapidly and take decisive action.

1 GCC, "HE GCCSG: The FTA in between the GCC and the UK is a Major Strategic Opportunity to Elevate 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)," Might 2025 3 IMEC, "India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) Progress Update," April 20254 WAM, "UAE's CEPA programme reinforces global economic ties with 26 strategic arrangements," March 20255 Muscat Daily, "Oman, India set to sign open market pact 'really 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 financial 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, "Reality Sheet: President Donald J.
Boards throughout Africa are getting in a specifying cycle. Capital is tighter. Scrutiny is greater. Threat is more interconnected. And the quality of conference room judgment will significantly identify which organisations sustain development and which fall behind. In action, Climb Club, an exposure launchpad curating access and chances for board- and C-level ladies, in partnership with BusinessDay, is introducing a new regular monthly boardroom discussion assembling accomplished African female executives who actively serve at the highest levels of governance and business management and who are members of Ascent Club.
This inaugural session unites board professionals to analyze the genuine pressures forming board programs today: INSIDE THE CONFERENCE ROOM: The Strategic Risks and Top Priorities Forming 2026 Financial discipline in constrained markets Progressing regulatory and governance expectations Technology disturbance and cyber strength Long-term worth development and sustainability imperatives Leadership decisions boards need to prioritise heading into 2026 Climb members and speakers include: Moderator Nnoli Akpedeye MD/CEO, Contego Servo Limited Speakers Sarah Ajose-Adeogun Handling Partner, Teasoo Consulting Ochanya R.
Deborah David CFO, Powergas It is an assembling of executives contributing straight to governance, threat oversight, and strategic direction within their organisations. Through this collaboration, Ascent Club and BusinessDay are intentionally creating a repeating online forum that surfaces board-level insight, amplifies reputable female governance voices, and expands access to the tactical thinking emerging from Africa's boardrooms.
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Total possessions held broadly steady over the quarter, while trading levels pointed to continued repositioning and as a reaction to geopolitical news rather than a significant new capital deployment. Global macro conditions set a difficult background.
The GCC ETF universe consisted of 39 ETFs with a total AUM of $9.35 billion (as of Q1 2026). Efficiency throughout the market was broadly negative, with only 13 ETFs delivering positive returns compared to 26 in decline. Performance in Q1 2026 was driven by a narrow group of idiosyncratic winners, rather than broad market strength.
Egypt delivered strong performance in January and February. Despite a market pullback in March due to the war, both Egypt's market and its ETFs still published favorable returns for the quarter. The ongoing Middle East dispute and resulting energy shock have actually improved the outlook for emerging market equities between the oil-haves and the oil-have-nots.
The sector likewise dealt with more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more careful policy background in China and global risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the many part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth innovation, as appraisal pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.
The petrochemical ETF substantially outperformed. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, showing selective allowance rather than broad market participation. Despite weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a small number of products drawing in new capital. This indicates that financiers were targeting particular direct exposures, while reducing or turning out of others.

Trading activity stayed stable, 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 actually occurred in the secondary market, making it possible for financiers to change positions without considerable primary productions or redemptions. While current geopolitical occasions have actually led to more monetary pressure on GCC nations, the region stays resistant and well capitalized to deal with the scenario.
In January, Boreas released its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic direct exposure focused on worldwide 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 expected to introduce in April pending a final approval from ADX.
Q1 2026 revealed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has affected sentiment and rates during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in regional assets.
Methods for Scaling Regional Strategy in 2026Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and security dangers throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to show durability, keeping positive growth momentum over the last few years. While disputes in the wider area and worldwide economic unpredictability remain a structural constraint, GCC countries have up until now limited their influence on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy connection, and continual financial investment.
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