Saudi Arabia’s stock market surged at the opening of Wednesday’s session after regulators announced a landmark move to fully open the market to foreign investors, signaling a new phase in the kingdom’s financial liberalization.
The Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) jumped 2% in early trading, gaining about 207 points to trade near the 10,500 level. The rally coincided with a decision by the Capital Market Authority (CMA) to allow all categories of foreign investors to access the Saudi market directly starting February 1, 2026.
Trading activity was brisk from the opening bell, with liquidity on the benchmark index exceeding 1 billion riyals ($267 million) within the first 15 minutes of the session. Banking stocks led the advance, reflecting investor optimism over increased capital inflows and broader market participation.
Shares of Al Rajhi Bank rose about 2% to 98.30 riyals, emerging as one of the session’s top gainers, while Saudi Aramco advanced roughly 1% to 23.63 riyals. Most listed stocks traded in positive territory, underscoring the breadth of the rally.
Market participants viewed the CMA’s decision as a strategic step toward enhancing market depth, improving liquidity, and aligning the Saudi capital market more closely with global standards. Analysts say broader foreign access could attract long-term institutional investors and reinforce Riyadh’s ambitions to position Tadawul as a leading emerging-market exchange.
The strong opening sets an upbeat tone for the session, as investors digest the implications of full foreign market access and its potential impact on valuations and capital flows in the months ahead.
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