Expanding Industrial Operations Across Dubai and the GCC

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ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

1 GCC, "HE GCCSG: The FTA in between the GCC and the UK is a Major Strategic Chance to Elevate Economic Relations to New Horizons," October 20252 GCC, "Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation Between the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)," May 2025 3 IMEC, "India-Middle East-Europe Economic Passage (IMEC) Development Update," April 20254 WAM, "UAE's CEPA programme enhances global financial ties with 26 tactical contracts," March 20255 Muscat Daily, "Oman, India set to sign free 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," May 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.

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Ensuring Operational Excellence in the GCC

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ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

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Major Developments in the 2026 Middle East Economy

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

The outcome was a quarter specified by volatility, dispersion, and selective positioning, instead of a clear directional pattern. Oil related properties succeeded for the many part. On the positive 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 authorized for launch by the Capital Market Authority (CMA) and will be approved by the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange (ADX). The GCC ETF universe made up 39 ETFs with an overall AUM of $9.35 billion (since Q1 2026). Performance across the market was broadly negative, with only 13 ETFs delivering positive returns compared to 26 in decrease. Overall, the information shows a market that is active but narrow, with capital and liquidity concentrated in a little subset of items.

Performance in Q1 2026 was driven by a narrow group of distinctive winners, rather than broad market strength. The leading ETFs were concentrated in particular nation exposures and products, especially Turkey, Saudi petrochemicals, gold, and Egypt. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt were resilient during the quarter. Saudi Arabia's oil direct exposure supported its regional market, with Aramco reaching brand-new highs amid greater oil costs, as well as its continued capability to export oil through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which remains open.

Advanced Planning for GCC Excellence

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 published favorable returns for the quarter. The ongoing Middle East conflict and resulting energy shock have reshaped the outlook for emerging market equities between the oil-haves and the oil-have-nots.

The sector also faced more comprehensive macro headwinds, including a more cautious policy backdrop in China and worldwide risk-off belief driven by geopolitical stress and greater energy costs. Thematic ETFs Struggled for the most part, particularly those linked to carbon and high-growth technology, as evaluation pressures and international rate dynamics weighed on efficiency.

The petrochemical ETF considerably outshined. Circulations in Q1 2026 were modest and highly concentrated, showing selective allotment instead of broad market participation. In spite of weak performance, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products attracting new capital. This indicates that investors were targeting specific direct exposures, while lowering or turning out of others.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Driving Operational Excellence in the GCC

Trading activity remained constant, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, focused in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. A lot of activity appears to have actually occurred in the secondary market, enabling investors to adjust positions without substantial primary creations or redemptions. While recent geopolitical occasions have led to more financial pressure on GCC countries, the area remains resistant and well capitalized to deal with the situation.

In January, Boreas released its S&P Global Luxury UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic exposure focused on global luxury and consumer brands. ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX.

Q1 2026 showed some progress relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more international and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has affected sentiment and prices during the quarter, it has actually driven more volume and interest in regional possessions.

Regardless of ongoing geopolitical stress and security dangers across the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate strength, preserving favorable growth momentum over the last few years. While conflicts in the wider region and international financial unpredictability remain a structural restriction, GCC nations have up until now restricted their influence on domestic financial efficiency through strong financial positions, policy continuity, and sustained investment.