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Saudi Arabia Opens Capital Market to Foreign Investors in 2026

1/7/2026

33 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority (CMA) will open its capital market to foreign investors on February 1, 2026, removing the Qualified Foreign Investor concept and granting direct Main Market access.
By the end of Q3 2025, international ownership exceeded SR590 billion, with SR519 billion in the Main Market.
The CMA's amendments are part of a gradual strategy to position Saudi Arabia as an attractive international investment destination.

History

Historical Context

Since the 1970s, Saudi Arabia has pursued economic diversification to reduce its reliance on oil, with limited success. In 2015, the government launched Vision 2030, aiming to attract foreign investment and enhance the private sector. By Q3 2025, international ownership in the capital market reached SR590 billion, reflecting growing foreign interest and a significant shift towards global economic integration.

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Story summary

Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority (CMA) will open its capital market to foreign investors on February 1, 2026, removing the Qualified Foreign Investor concept and granting direct Main Market access.
By the end of Q3 2025, international ownership exceeded SR590 billion, with SR519 billion in the Main Market.
The CMA's amendments are part of a gradual strategy to position Saudi Arabia as an attractive international investment destination.

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