RIYADH: Oman’s Muscat Securities Market emerged as the best-performing index in the Gulf Cooperation Council region in 2025, rising 28.2 percent year on year, according to an analysis by Kamco Invest. 

In its latest report, the financial firm said the MSX 30 Index closed the year at 5,866.8 points, marking one of the strongest annual performances among GCC markets. 

According to the analysis, the index reached its annual peak at 5,985.66 points in mid-December, while its lowest level was 4,223.83 points in early April, reflecting a 38.9 percent recovery from the year’s trough. 

Developing a robust capital market ecosystem remains crucial for GCC countries as they pursue economic diversification efforts to reduce dependence on oil revenues. 

“The aggregate MSCI GCC index reported a gain of 1.6 percent during the year despite largely positive performance at the country level. At the exchange level, Oman witnessed the biggest gains during the year with a double-digit surge of 28.2 percent,” said Kamco Invest.

The report added that Boursa Kuwait ranked as the second-best-performing market in the GCC, posting gains of 21.2 percent during the year. 

The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange advanced 6.1 percent, while the Dubai Financial Market climbed 17.2 percent, supported by selective strength in real estate and services stocks. 

The Qatar Exchange recorded a marginal increase of 1.8 percent, while the Bahrain Bourse rose 4.1 percent in 2025. 

Despite a 12.8 percent decline, Saudi Arabia dominated regional listings activity during 2025. 

The Kingdom saw 13 companies debut on the Tadawul All Share Index, along with two transfers from the parallel Nomu market to the main market. In addition, 28 companies were listed on the Nomu market. 

Flynas was Saudi Arabia’s largest initial public offering in 2025, raising SR4.1 billion ($1.1 billion) in one of the region’s biggest aviation listings. 

Other notable IPOs during the year included Umm Al Qura for Development & Construction Co., Specialized Medical Co., Derayah Financial Co., and Dar Al Majed Real Estate Co. 

“At the sector level, the yearly performance (in the region) was skewed toward decliners with over 30 percent fall in Utilities, Insurance and Consumer Durable indices. On the gainers side, Telecom, Banks and Diversified Financials indices showed double gains that offset the overall weakness,” added Kamco Invest.