Managing the 2026 GCC Economic Landscape for Leaders

Inform method with evidence: Use independent data on market confidence, development, and customer need to guide your strategic direction. Confirm financial investment plans: Make sure resource allocation and initiatives are backed by trustworthy market insight. Accelerate positive decisions: Equip members of your executive group with clear, actionable insight to reach agreement rapidly and take definitive action.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

1 GCC, "HE GCCSG: The FTA between the GCC and the UK is a Major Strategic Chance to Elevate Economic Relations to New Horizons," October 20252 GCC, "Joint Statement on Economic Cooperation In Between the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)," Might 2025 3 IMEC, "India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) Development Update," April 20254 WAM, "UAE's CEPA program enhances international economic ties with 26 tactical contracts," March 20255 Muscat Daily, "Oman, India set to sign complimentary trade pact 'really soon'," September 20256 India Embassy Qatar, "India-Qatar Bilateral Relations," June 20257 Reuters, "Qatar's QIA plans to at least double yearly United States investments over next years," Might 2025; WAM, "US$ 110 billion in UAE financial investments in Africa position country as world's fourth-largest investor," October 2025; Whitehouse, "Truth Sheet: President Donald J.

Boards across Africa are entering a defining cycle. Capital is tighter. Examination is greater. Danger is more interconnected. And the quality of boardroom judgment will significantly determine which organisations sustain growth and which fall behind. In response, Ascent Club, an exposure launchpad curating access and chances for board- and C-level women, in collaboration with BusinessDay, is releasing a new month-to-month conference room dialogue convening accomplished African female executives who actively serve at the greatest levels of governance and corporate leadership and who are members of Ascent Club.

Strategic Planning for GCC Excellence

This inaugural session unites board professionals to take a look at the genuine pressures forming board agendas today: INSIDE THE BOARDROOM: The Strategic Risks and Priorities Forming 2026 Financial discipline in constrained markets Developing regulative and governance expectations Technology disturbance and cyber strength Long-term worth development and sustainability imperatives Leadership decisions boards must prioritise heading into 2026 Climb members and speakers include: Moderator Nnoli Akpedeye MD/CEO, Contego Servo Limited Speakers Sarah Ajose-Adeogun Managing Partner, Teasoo Consulting Ochanya R.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Deborah David CFO, Powergas It is an assembling of executives contributing directly to governance, risk oversight, and tactical direction within their organisations. Through this collaboration, Ascent Club and BusinessDay are intentionally producing a recurring online forum that surface areas board-level insight, magnifies reputable female governance voices, and broadens access to the tactical thinking emerging from Africa's conference rooms.

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Why Does Operational Excellence Crucial for Future Expansion?

The GCC ETF market entered Q1 2026 in a consolidation phase, with activity staying elevated but development slowing. Overall properties held broadly constant over the quarter, while trading levels indicated continued repositioning and as a reaction to geopolitical news rather than a meaningful brand-new capital release. Worldwide macro conditions set a challenging background.

The GCC ETF universe made up 39 ETFs with a total AUM of $9.35 billion (since Q1 2026). Performance across the market was broadly unfavorable, with only 13 ETFs providing positive returns compared to 26 in decline. In general, the data reflects a market that is active but narrow, with capital and liquidity focused in a small subset of products.

Efficiency in Q1 2026 was driven by a narrow group of distinctive winners, instead of broad market strength. The leading ETFs were focused in specific nation direct exposures and products, particularly Turkey, Saudi petrochemicals, gold, and Egypt. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt were durable during the quarter. Saudi Arabia's oil exposure supported its regional market, with Aramco reaching new highs in the middle of higher oil prices, along with its continued capability to export oil through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which stays open.

Ways to Leverage Market Research for 2026 Growth

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 favorable returns for the quarter. The continuous Middle East conflict 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 faced broader macro headwinds, including a more mindful policy backdrop in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical stress and higher energy rates. Thematic ETFs likewise struggled for the most part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as valuation pressures and global rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

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

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Strategic Planning for GCC Leadership

Trading activity remained stable, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have taken location in the secondary market, allowing investors to change positions without substantial main productions or redemptions.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, including a niche thematic direct exposure focused on international high-end and customer brand names. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some progress connecting to ETFs in the GCC. We anticipate more global and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the conflict has impacted belief and prices throughout the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local assets.

Regardless of ongoing geopolitical tensions and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate durability, maintaining favorable development momentum in recent years. While disputes in the broader area and worldwide economic unpredictability stay a structural constraint, GCC countries have actually up until now restricted their effect on domestic economic efficiency through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and continual financial investment.