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Friday, October 16, 2026
Arab News | GCC markets log biggest foreign sell-off since 2019 as Saudi investors step up buying: Report
By Vijay Valecha in 'Century in News'
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Vijay Valecha, Fri, Oct 16, 2026 Gulf Times
RIYADH: Foreign investors sold a net $2.3 billion of Gulf Cooperation Council stocks in the third quarter of 2026, the largest quarterly outflow since records began in 2019, according to a new report.
In Saudi Arabia, local investors switched to net purchases of SR5.6 billion ($1.49 billion), compared with net sales of SR5.8 billion previously, led by institutions, which recorded SR5.9 billion in net purchases, the analysis showed.
“GCC equity markets witnessed divergent trends during Q3-2026, reflecting the impact of geopolitical developments on market conditions, investor sentiment, corporate earnings, and sectoral performance across the region,” the release said.
Expert viewVijay Valecha, chief investment officer at brokerage firm Century Financial, told Arab News that rising regional geopolitical risks drove the sell-off.
“For international investors, the concern was not simply higher oil prices, but the possibility that expanding hostilities could disrupt exports, weaken business confidence and affect corporate earnings,” he said.
He highlighted that the Kingdom’s fiscal buffers and the East-West Pipeline to the Red Sea were helping curb the disruption.
Valecha noted that reforms such as scrapping the Qualified Foreign Investor requirement remain relevant to long-term investors, and that GCC markets were expected to show strong momentum in the fourth quarter.
Market reformsIn January, the Capital Market Authority’s board approved opening the main market to all foreign investors from Feb. 1, a move it said would broaden participation and enhance liquidity.
Regional pictureForeign net selling reached $414.3 million in Dubai, $284.1 million in Kuwait, and $36.1 million in Abu Dhabi.
In Oman it stood at $26.5 million, and $21.8 million in Bahrain, while Qatar saw net buying of $10.9 million, the report stated
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