Why the GCC stock market is thriving

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the US tariff tsunami - and the interconnected second order impact that it has had on asset prices — the IPO juggernaut in the GCC continues. Unabated...

- BY SAMEER LAKHANI

flynas out of Saudi Arabia became the latest candidate in offering its shares to the public, amid reports that the kingdom is expected to have as many as 56 new listings in 2025.

In Dubai, Dubai Holding announced a pure-play residential REIT, allowing investors to capitalise on income and growth opportunities in real estate in a frictionless and low-cost manner.

Earlier reports indicate that the amount of investment in the GCC equity markets had doubled, suggesting that liquidity spigots continue to move towards the Middle East as the world continues to re-evaluate the 'Rest of the World' trade in capital markets.

A 'rest of the world' trade

Despite the incredulity expressed by the median investor regarding the fallibility of US markets, there is a growing consensus that opportunities abound in the rest of the world, with the GCC markets now vying for a significant chunk of foreign flows.