Arab equity markets across the Gulf and North Africa began Thursday on a mixed note, as Saudi stocks rallied sharply while other regional benchmarks lagged. The divergent performance reflected investor focus on domestic reforms, foreign ownership prospects, and global interest rate dynamics.
Saudi indexes leap on ownership reform hopes
In Riyadh, the Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) opened with a strong surge, recording one of its largest gains in years. The rally was sparked by reports that Saudi regulators may ease foreign ownership limits on listed companies, potentially relaxing the current cap of 49 %. The expectation of large capital inflows from global funds underpinned investor confidence in the kingdom’s equity market. Reuters+2Reuters+2
Gulf markets divergent
Across the Gulf, the mood was more cautious. In the United Arab Emirates, both Dubai and Abu Dhabi markets opened lower, pressured by sectoral weakness and competitive pressure from the now more attractive Saudi market. Dubai’s main index slipped, led by losses in real estate and banking names, while Abu Dhabi followed suit with modest declines. Reuters
Meanwhile, Qatar’s bourse extended its run of losses, entering its fourth consecutive session in the red, as regional uncertainty and global headwinds weighed on sentiment. Reuters
Egypt’s equities buck trend
In contrast, Egypt’s EGX30 index started the day higher. The advance was driven by strength in large-cap financials, notably the Commercial International Bank, which gained amid renewed investor interest in North African markets. Reuters
Drivers behind the opening moves
The sharp rise in Saudi equities was clearly tied to expectations that loosening foreign investment restrictions could unlock billions in passive inflows from index-tracking funds and institutional investors. Reuters+1 At the same time, global interest rate expectations continued to influence flows, with markets sensitive to policy signals from the U.S. Federal Reserve and regional central banks. Reuters+2Reuters+2
The contrast between Saudi and its Gulf neighbours highlights a shift in regional investor focus. With reform-driven optimism concentrated in Riyadh, other markets face pressure to differentiate via fundamentals or fiscal policy.
Outlook for the rest of trading
Market watchers will be keeping an eye on how much the Saudi rally can be sustained—particularly if reforms are formalised. In the UAE and Gulf generally, attention will turn to corporate earnings announcements and external catalysts, such as oil price trends and global rate decisions. For Egypt, continued inflows into regional equities may support momentum, if macro stability holds.
Newshub Editorial in The Middle East – 25 September 2025
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