GCC
ETF trends and investment insights across the Gulf Cooperation Council.
GCC — page 6
Abu Dhabi and Jordan strengthen regional market connectivity through Tabadul
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and Amman Stock Exchange launched integration through the Tabadul platform on June 1, 2026, enabling simplified cross-border trading across Arab markets. The initiative allows investors to access securities through local brokers without establishing separate offshor
Middle East-based fintechs earning accolades and achieving major milestones
GCC-based fintechs are reaching significant milestones as Sarwa crossed $1 billion in client assets and Wahed surpassed $2 billion in AUM, accelerating ETF adoption and digital investment access across the Middle East region.
Sphere Abu Dhabi: what the $1.7B contract tells investors about GCC entertainment capex
ALEC Holdings has won a $1.7 billion contract to build Sphere Abu Dhabi, one of the GCC's largest entertainment infrastructure projects. The development signals Abu Dhabi's continued investment in tourism-led diversification and infrastructure expansion.
FTSE Russell adds IPO fast-entry rule ahead of SPCX and OpenAI listings
FTSE Russell has introduced a fast-entry mechanism allowing large IPOs like SpaceX and OpenAI to join the Russell US Index Series more quickly, while easing free float and voting rights requirements for companies with founder lock-ups.
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The MSCI print ahead of Eid: AED 4.5 Billion through the Abu Dhabi close
The semi-annual MSCI index rebalance generated AED 4.5 billion in notional turnover on the Abu Dhabi exchange, with trading accelerated ahead of the Eid al-Adha holiday closure. The closing auction saw concentrated demand across constituents being added, deleted, or reweighted.
Quantum Stocks Surge on Trump Backing. An Intel Deja-Vu?
The U.S. Commerce Department awarded $2 billion in grants to nine quantum technology companies, with IBM receiving $1 billion for America's first pure-play quantum foundry. The move reflects Washington's strategic equity-backed industrial policy pattern.
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UAE Stocks Defy Market Turbulence as Q1 2026 Earnings Surge
UAE equity markets experienced significant turbulence in early 2026 due to geopolitical shocks, but Q1 earnings season revealed record-breaking corporate results. Despite IMF downgrading UAE growth forecasts to 3.1%, underlying fundamentals suggest long-term investor optimism.
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Craze for Luxury Overruns Dubai Malls. Meet Swatch’s new ‘Royal Pop’ Watch
Swatch's highly anticipated Royal Pop watch collaboration with Audemars Piguet caused crowd surges that forced Dubai malls to cancel launches. The luxury craze highlights investment opportunities in luxury sector ETFs for GCC investors.
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Qatar Upgrades Its Index Governance Just as the Semi-Annual Review Looms
The Qatar Stock Exchange has reconstituted its Index Committee to formalize benchmark governance, with a QFMA representative participating as observer. The June 2026 semi-annual review marks the first major constituent review under the new framework.
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Abu Dhabi Takes Steps Towards a Defense Fund with an MOU with Hanwha Aerospace
The UAE is exploring creation of a dedicated defense-focused investment vehicle to centralize global defense manufacturer investments and expand domestic production capabilities, following regional conflicts since 2022.
Saudi Aramco Profit Jumps 26% as Oil Shock Offsets Export Disruptions
Saudi Aramco reported a 26% year-on-year profit surge to SAR 126 billion in Q1, driven by soaring oil prices following the Strait of Hormuz crisis that disrupted regional energy markets.
Oman Leads Arab Markets as GCC Equities Diverge in 2026
Oman's Muscat Stock Exchange has emerged as the Arab world's strongest performer in 2026, with the MSX30 index up 42.3% year-to-date, significantly outpacing larger Gulf peers like Saudi Arabia and the UAE amid widening regional market divergence.
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