Achieving Strategic Excellence in Regional Markets

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ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

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How to Leverage GCC Research for 2026 Success

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Driving Industrial Growth Across Dubai and the GCC

Overall properties held broadly constant over the quarter, while trading levels pointed to continued repositioning and as a response to geopolitical news rather than a significant new capital release. Worldwide macro conditions set a tough backdrop.

The outcome was a quarter defined by volatility, dispersion, and selective positioning, instead of a clear directional trend. Oil related properties succeeded for the most part. On the favorable side, in January, the Boreas Absolute Luxury ETF introduced on ADX to add more thematic ETFs. Likewise in Q1, two more Kraneshares have been authorized 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 consisted of 39 ETFs with a total AUM of $9.35 billion (since Q1 2026). Efficiency throughout the marketplace was broadly unfavorable, with just 13 ETFs providing favorable returns compared to 26 in decrease. Overall, the data reflects a market that is active however 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 focused in particular country exposures and commodities, particularly Turkey, Saudi petrochemicals, gold, and Egypt. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt were resilient during the quarter. Saudi Arabia's oil exposure supported its local market, with Aramco reaching new highs amidst higher oil costs, as well as its continued capability to export oil through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which stays open.

Corporate Planning for Regional Leadership

Egypt provided strong performance in January and February. Despite 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 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 broader macro headwinds, consisting of a more cautious policy background in China and worldwide risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy prices. Thematic ETFs also 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 considerably outperformed. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and extremely focused, showing selective allocation rather than broad market involvement. Despite weak efficiency, ETFs recorded $27.1 million in net inflows, with just a little number of products drawing in brand-new capital. This suggests that financiers were targeting particular direct exposures, while decreasing or rotating out of others.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Why Does Operational Excellence Crucial for 2026 Growth?

Trading activity remained steady, with typical 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of bigger and more liquid ETFs. Many activity appears to have taken location in the secondary market, making it possible for financiers to change positions without substantial primary productions or redemptions. While recent geopolitical occasions have actually resulted in more monetary pressure on GCC nations, the region stays resistant and well capitalized to deal with the situation.

In January, Boreas introduced its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic exposure focused on international luxury and customer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC during 2026. While the dispute has impacted belief and costs during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in local assets.

Regardless of continuous geopolitical stress and security risks across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have actually continued to demonstrate strength, keeping positive development momentum in recent years. While conflicts in the broader area and international economic unpredictability remain a structural constraint, GCC countries have so far restricted their impact on domestic financial performance through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and sustained financial investment.