GCC sees $1.6bn of IPOs; Saudi Arabia leads strong start to year
The GCC saw 11 IPOs and raised a total of $1.6bn in the first quarter of 2025, according to PwC Middle East's IPO Watch Q1 2025 report.
It is up from $1.2bn across 10 listings in Q1 2024, demonstrating continued positive investor sentiment in the region's capital markets, despite prevailing global uncertainties.
Saudi Arabia contributed $1.1bn, which accounts for 69 per cent of total IPO proceeds.
GCC IPO 2025 report
This strong performance stems from three main market listings and momentum on the Nomu parallel market, where six listings raised an additional $62m, reinforcing the Kingdom's role as a regional engine of capital markets development.
In the UAE, digital transformation and system integrator Alpha Data raised $163m on the Abu Dhabi Exchange.
Oman, meanwhile, made headway in its privatisation journey with the listing of Asyad Shipping on the Muscat Stock Exchange, raising $333m, demonstrating the region's commitment to diversifying capital markets and unlocking new value for investors.
Muhammad Hassan, Capital Markets Leader at PwC Middle East, said: 'Recent global macroeconomic developments resulting from trade tariffs have had a pronounced impact on both global and GCC equity markets as well as oil prices.
'Although increased volatility and market uncertainty affects IPO activity in the short term, we remain positive on the long-term outlook of regional capital markets.
'Therefore, it's imperative that prospective issuers remain prepared to take advantage of potential IPO opportunities.'
GCC markets have shown notable resilience, despite external pressures. The S&P GCC Composite Index, for example, recovered from a sharp dip in early April and is now trading just 1 per cent below where it began the year, highlighting regional investor confidence and market stability.
Consumer markets were the leading sector in Q1 2025, accounting for 42 per cent of total IPO proceeds.
This trend underscores investor interest in retail and lifestyle-driven businesses and signals continued growth in sectors closely aligned with evolving consumer behaviours across the region.
The report also highlights increased activity in the region's debt capital markets. Bond issuance surged to $4.6bn in Q1 2025, up from $1.6bn during the same period last year.
Sukuk issuance also saw growth reaching $4.1bn. Notably, 70 per cent of all GCC bonds and sukuks issued during the quarter were issued on Nasdaq Dubai, affirming the Emirate's position as a key regional hub for fixed income instruments.
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