RIYADH: The Saudi Exchange is proving resilient amid a global initial public offerings downturn, highlighting the strength and dynamism of its diverse issuer base. 

While traditional financial centers struggle, the Kingdom continues to attract listings, underscoring a potential shift in how and where global capital is deployed.

Across the US, Europe, and much of Asia, 2025 has seen subdued IPO activity, affected by volatile macroeconomic indicators, persistent inflation, and shifting investor sentiment. Could Saudi Arabia’s divergence signal a broader reshaping of investor priorities and market leadership?

Equity markets showed early signs of recovery in the first quarter, but geopolitical tensions and tariff shocks in April disrupted momentum, prompting issuers to delay offerings and adopt a cautious stance, according to Haitham Aljabry, capital markets consulting partner at PwC Middle East.

In contrast, the Saudi Exchange is charting its own path. As of August 2025, 33 new listings have been completed across its main market, Nomu – parallel market, and sukuk and bonds market, bringing the total number of listed securities to more than 460.

“The Saudi Exchange’s resilience amid the global IPO slowdown underscores the strength and dynamism of our diverse issuer base,” Nasser Alajaji, chief of listing at the Saudi Exchange, told Arab News.

Alajaji added: “Recent listings from new sectors such as aviation and e-commerce have further deepened market breadth and enhanced its appeal.” 

He highlighted the launch of the Kingdom’s first ESG-focused exchange-traded fund and two corporate sukuk as signs of ongoing innovation aligned with the Financial Sector Development Program under Vision 2030.

“Global IPO activity paused, as some companies chose to delay their IPO processes due to the level of uncertainty associated with the various tariff announcements,” Aljabry explained. “However, the gradual reopening of selective IPO markets is now underway, with sentiment largely tied to macroeconomic and geopolitical stability.”

Aljabry said Saudi Arabia’s sustained IPO performance reflects strong macroeconomic management, regulatory clarity, and ongoing reforms across sectors. The government’s commitment to economic diversification through megaprojects such as Neom and the Red Sea is bolstering investor confidence and stimulating activity across industries. Capital inflows have also remained consistent in 2025, supported by a stable riyal-dollar peg and Saudi Arabia’s status as a regional safe haven amid wider geopolitical instability.

Structural advantages boosting Tadawul’s appeal
Tadawul offers structural advantages that distinguish it from global peers.

“Tadawul is the largest stock exchange in the MENA region by market capitalization. Its high free-float requirement ensures liquidity, and Tadawul’s inclusion and weighting in MSCI EM and FTSE indices boosts demand from passive global funds,” Ibrahim Soumrany, partner at Gibson Dunn in Riyadh, noted.

Soumrany also cited strong valuation premiums, robust institutional demand, and consistent oversubscription levels in retail tranches, with new listings often leaving individual investors with as few as ten shares. Additional drivers include state asset privatizations, Public Investment Fund divestments, and IPOs by large family conglomerates seeking succession planning and liquidity.

“The level of capital inflow into the Saudi market since the beginning of the year suggests that investors, both local and international, continue to view the Kingdom as a stable and growth-oriented investment destination, even as global capital markets remain cautious,” Aljabry said.

Regulatory momentum
Saudi capital markets benefit from a deepening institutional investor base and growing digital engagement, particularly among younger retail investors accessing equities via trading apps.

“The Saudi capital market continues to play a pivotal role in driving economic diversification and attracting global capital,” Alajaji said. “We continue to observe steady IPO activity across all our platforms… Investor demand remains robust, supported by a favorable regulatory environment and active participation from both institutional and retail investors.”

According to Aljabry, IPOs in Saudi Arabia during 2025 have predominantly involved well-established or strategically significant companies aligned with Vision 2030, appealing to long-term investors. Despite fluctuations in crude oil prices, the Kingdom has attracted significant capital inflows, reflecting confidence in its long-term growth strategy and stable economic management.

In terms of liquidity and market-making, Saudi capital markets stand out. Soumrany emphasized that market-making regulations support tighter bid-ask spreads and consistent trading activity, enhancing the investor experience and reducing market volatility.

Further contributing to market dynamism is the growing role of Qualified Foreign Investors. As of August, over 4,400 QFIs were registered with the Saudi Exchange, highlighting rising international institutional interest, Alajaji told Arab News.

The evolution of environmental, social and governance and sustainability-linked products is also adding new dimensions to the market. Alajaji noted that the introduction of new asset classes and sustainability-driven instruments reflects the exchange’s commitment to long-term innovation.

Retail investor enthusiasm remains a key pillar. Soumrany noted: “High oversubscription levels in retail tranches. Retail investors are unlikely to receive more than 10 shares due to high oversubscription levels.” 

Some IPOs have been so oversubscribed that retail investors received only a fraction of their applications, demonstrating grassroots engagement in Saudi capital markets.

Outlook
Looking ahead, Aljabry believes the momentum of Saudi IPOs is unlikely to slow. With a predictable pipeline shaped by PIF exits, state divestments, and family business listings, the exchange is well-positioned to maintain its upward trajectory.

The alignment between economic diversification objectives and capital market development ensures that listings will continue to be both strategic and impactful. Soumrany said this alignment results in IPOs that are not only financially attractive but integral to the broader national transformation.

Tadawul’s strength amid global weakness underscores its evolution into a leading regional financial hub. As global investors seek resilient, growth-oriented markets, Saudi Arabia is increasingly viewed as a compelling alternative to traditional financial centers. With robust infrastructure, regulatory foresight, and strategic positioning, the Kingdom is not just weathering the global IPO slump — it is defining a new benchmark for emerging-market exchanges.