GCC stock markets decline in 2025 led by Saudi Tadawul

The market value of stock exchanges across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) fell by 6.2% in 2025, driven primarily by a significant decline in the Saudi Tadawul. According to a report from the GCC Statistical Center, the total market value of exchanges in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman closed at $3.9 trillion, down from $4.2 trillion in 2024.

The Saudi Tadawul experienced a 13.6% contraction in market value, dropping from $2.72 trillion to $2.35 trillion. Within this market, Abdullah Al Othaim Markets Company stock reached its lowest valuation since 2017, facing pressures from retail margin issues and sector competition. Analysts suggest the Saudi decline may be linked to volatility in international crude oil prices.

In contrast to the Saudi downturn, other regional markets saw growth. The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), the second largest in the bloc, saw its market capitalization increase by approximately 4.6%, reaching nearly $855 billion by the end of 2025.