Residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including expats, can now invest directly in Saudi Arabia's main stock market
This applies to anyone currently living in Saudi Arabia or other GCC countries, as well as those who used to live there. The CMA's boss, Mohammed El-Kuwaiz, shared the news on X, explaining that this move is all about opening up Saudi Arabia's markets to attract more long-term cash from the region.
It's a key part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030, which aims to grow the economy beyond just oil. 'This makes our market more open globally,' El-Kuwaiz said, 'and builds stronger investment ties with a wider range of people in a more flexible and appealing setup.'
The CMA also rolled out other changes to make the market more attractive and secure. For example, investment funds can now be offered through digital platforms and fintech companies overseen by the Saudi Central Bank. They've also added stricter rules, like requiring CMA approval when fund managers change and setting a 60-day transition period to protect investors.
These steps are meant to bring in more money, make the market clearer and fairer, and cement Saudi Arabia's spot as a major financial player in the region. It builds on earlier moves, like letting big foreign investors in back in 2015 and getting Saudi Arabia included in global stock indices like MSCI and FTSE.
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These sectors include: Engineering Healthcare Technology and software Education Senior management Saudi Arabia continues to attract experienced professionals who bring value through technical skills, leadership, or global experience. As the job market becomes more focused and selective, expats who offer unique capabilities remain key contributors to the country's growth. Similar National hiring efforts across the Gulf Saudization isn't unique. Other Gulf countries have introduced their own national hiring initiatives: Emiratization (UAE): Encourages companies to hire Emirati nationals, with increasing mandatory quotas. Omanization (Oman): Targets replacement of expats with Omanis, especially in oil, banking, and telecom. Qatarization (Qatar): Focuses on national employment in strategic sectors like energy and finance. Bahrainization (Bahrain): Aims to train and place Bahraini nationals in both public and private sectors. Each program has different levels of enforcement and industry focus, but they all reflect a broader regional trend: governments want their citizens more involved in shaping the economy. FAQs 1. Does Saudization apply to all companies in Saudi Arabia? Yes. All private sector companies are expected to comply, especially those with more than 10 employees. Smaller companies still need to hire at least one Saudi citizen. 2. What happens if a company doesn't meet Saudization quotas? Companies in the Red or Yellow zones may face restrictions, including blocked work visas, fines, and reduced access to government services. In serious cases, a business license can be suspended. 3. Can expats still find jobs under Saudization? Yes, but it depends on the industry and role. Expats with strong qualifications in sectors like engineering, tech, and healthcare are still needed. However, roles in admin, sales, and HR are increasingly going to Saudi nationals.
