دبي – Riyadh-based financial infrastructure operator Tadawul has officially opened its main market to all foreign investors without restriction, signaling a significant evolution from its previous qualified investor framework established in 2015. This strategic move aims to deepen liquidity and expand the international investor base by removing barriers that previously limited participation.
Market Valuation Surpasses Two Trillion Dollars
Mohammed Al-Ramih, Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Tadawul Group, highlighted this development during his opening address at the Select Shanghai Capital Markets Forum 2026, held at the Shanghai Stock Exchange in China on Thursday. He emphasized that the Saudi market now boasts a substantial size, encompassing both the primary and parallel segments, which collectively represent a total market capitalization exceeding two point five trillion dollars.
This valuation firmly establishes the Kingdom’s exchange as the largest financial market in the Middle East and positions it among the biggest globally. The expansion includes more than three hundred listed companies, reflecting robust economic growth and diversification efforts under the nation’s broader vision plans aimed at reducing oil dependency through private sector engagement.
Enhanced Access to Diverse Financial Instruments
Al-Ramih noted that facilitating direct entry for global participants provides a simpler pathway for international involvement, thereby encouraging increased investment flows. Beyond equities, investors can now access a growing array of securities, including sukuk and bonds within a debt market valued at over two hundred billion dollars, alongside exchange-traded funds designed to offer diversified exposure across various sectors.
The executive also pointed to recent structural improvements introduced to the derivatives market over the past few weeks. These enhancements are intended to strengthen market efficiency, boost liquidity, and support a more resilient derivatives ecosystem, catering to sophisticated hedging needs and speculative activities alike.
Strengthening Ties with Chinese Capital Markets
A key focus of the forum was deepening financial connectivity between Saudi Arabia and China. Al-Ramih stressed the clear potential for integrating Saudi and Chinese capital markets, citing the strong bilateral relations as a foundation for future cooperation. He expressed optimism about continuing efforts to link the Saudi financial system with Chinese exchanges and other global hubs.
The event, organized by Tadawul Group and taking place on September third and fourth, brings together officials, investors, issuers, and experts from Saudi Arabia, China, and other international markets. Discussions will cover latest developments in financial markets, available investment opportunities, and strategies to solidify ties between the two nations’ economies.
This story was produced in the newsroom from the disclosed sources named above.
