RIYADH: Global financial institutions are rapidly expanding across the Gulf as market reforms and economic transformation programs reshape the region into one of the world’s fastest-growing capital markets.
The shift is particularly visible across Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with wave of regional headquarters, investment banking teams, asset management businesses and senior executives relocating to the region.
In July, Deutsche Bank secured a regional headquarters license in Saudi Arabia, joining JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and others in expanding their presence in the Kingdom.
The move comes as Saudi Arabia steps up efforts to position Riyadh as the Middle East’s leading business hub through its Regional Headquarters Program, which requires foreign companies seeking government contracts to establish bases in the Kingdom.
The investment case is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Foreign investors recorded $1.6 billion in net purchases on the Saudi Exchange during the second quarter of 2026, making it the only GCC market to post net foreign buying during the period, according to Kamco Invest.
