Middle East ETF News
The Gulf's growth model faces its first true stress test
April 7, 2026-GDP in Saudi Arabia and the UAE could fall by 3% and 5% respectively
The US-Israel war with Iran has now stretched beyond five weeks, inflicting extensive damage on energy infrastructure, airports, ports and commercial and technology hubs across the six GCC states.
Mideast Stocks: Most Gulf equities retreat on fears of prolonged Middle East conflict
April 2, 2026-Dubai's main share index dropped 1.4%
Major Gulf stock markets fell in early trading on Thursday after President Donald Trump said the U.S. would continue its attacks on Iran, without specifying when the war would end.
Mideast Stocks: Dubai leads Gulf stocks higher on hopes of de-escalation of Iran war
April 1, 2026-Dubai's main share index advanced 2.1%
Major Gulf stock markets rose in early Wednesday trading on hopes of a de-escalation in the Iran conflict, with Dubai leading gains as its 1 billion dirham ($272.3 million) support package took effect.
UAE space programme at private sector 'tipping point'
March 31, 2026-Aim for 70% private funding within 10 years
Currently 49% private investment
Iran conflict speeding up timelines
The UAE wants the private sector to lead its space programme within this decade -and the Iran conflict is helping to accelerate the pivot, according to industry experts speaking at an event in Washington.
Dubai's main share index declined 2%
March 17, 2026-Most Gulf stock markets fell in early trading on Monday, led by losses in Dubai as the Iran conflict weighed on investor sentiment and spurred risk aversion across the region.
RMB adoption in the Middle East is reshaping regional economies and trade flows
March 11, 2026--A new study by Standard Chartered pegs the primary drivers behind RMB's growth in the region to energy settlements in the Middle East
The growing dominance of Renminbi (RMB) in the Middle East as a strategic currency is a direct result of a convergence in pricing dynamics, counterparty preference and long-dated capital needs, particularly in the fields of energy trade, according to Standard Chartered.
Mideast Stocks: UAE leads Gulf bourses lower; oil leaps on Iran war
March 9, 2026--Dubai's main share index dropped 3.8%
Most Gulf markets fell in early Monday trading, led by sharp losses in the UAE, as the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran continuedand oil prices jumped more than 15% on supply cuts and fears of prolonged Strait of Hormuz shipping disruptions.
Saudi Arabia's GDP grows 4.5% in 2025
March 9, 2026--Oil activities recorded growth of 5.7%
General Authority for Statistics said Saudi Arabia's real gross domestic product grew by 4.5% in 2025 compared with 2024, driven by growth across all major economic sectors.
Mideast Stocks: Most Gulf bourses rise; UAE shares extend losses as Middle East conflict widens
March 5, 2026--Both the Dubai and Abu Dhabi exchanges said they will temporarily set a 5% lower price limit on securities
Most Gulf stock markets rose in early trading on Thursday, but UAE equities fell again, extending the prior session's losses after exchanges reopened on Wednesday following a two-day suspension prompted by Iran's weekend missile-and-drone barrage on the Emirates.
UAE markets slide but Saudi stocks extend recovery
March 4, 2026--DFM and ADX reopen after 2 days
Both imposed -5% temporary limit
Tadawul All-Shares up 1.6% in morning
UAE equity markets tumbled on Wednesday as trading resumed for the first session since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran, sparking a broader Middle East conflict.
