Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia’s decision to open its financial markets to all foreign investors could unlock $10 billion of inflows and place the nation on an equal footing with other competitive emerging exchanges, experts told Arab News.

The Kingdom’s Capital Market Authority announced the sweeping changes on Jan. 6, including the removal of restrictions such as the Qualified Foreign Investor framework, which required a minimum of $500 million in assets under management, and abolishing swap agreements.

The changes, aimed at supporting investment inflows and enhancing market liquidity, will take effect on Feb. 1.

The move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program, which aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy by reducing its reliance on crude revenues.

Speaking to Arab News, Hamza Dweik, head of trading at Saxo Bank for the Middle East and North Africa, said: “This reform is expected to unlock an estimated $9 billion to $10 billion in new inflows, adding to the SR519 billion ($138 billion) already held by foreign investors in the main market as of the third quarter of 2025.

“Greater participation will deepen liquidity in a market valued at over SR3 trillion and increase Saudi Arabia’s weighting in global emerging-market indices from approximately 3.2 percent to 4.7 percent.”