Women Investors Hit Record 1.74 Million in Saudi Stock Market

The number of women investing in the Saudi stock market has reached an all-time high, crossing 1.74 million for the first time. This milestone highlights the growing role of women in the Kingdom’s financial sector and marks a significant moment in the participation of women in one of the region’s largest and most influential financial exchanges. According to the Capital Market Authority (CMA), this increase is part of a broader upward trend in the number of individual investors in Saudi Arabia.

Steady Growth Among Female Investors

By the end of the second quarter of 2025, there were 1,746,000 female investors actively participating in the Saudi stock market. This figure represents an increase of 26,000 investors compared to the first quarter of the same year. When compared to the same period in 2024, the number of women investors has grown by 94,300, showing a consistent rise over the past year.

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This record number is the highest ever documented in Saudi Arabia’s equity market, reflecting a steady and strong growth in women’s participation. Analysts and market observers see this as a positive indicator of gender inclusivity and the increasing financial empowerment of women in the Kingdom.

Overall Investor Growth in Saudi Arabia

The increase in women investors is not the only sign of growth in the Saudi stock market. Male investors also saw a significant rise during this period. By June 2025, the number of male investors reached 5.16 million. This is an increase of 112,400 investors from the first quarter of 2025 and 339,000 more than the same period in the previous year when the number stood at 4.82 million.

Altogether, the total number of individual investors in the Saudi stock market climbed to 6.9 million by the end of the second quarter. This represents a record high for the market, showing a clear trend of increasing participation by individuals in Saudi Arabia’s financial markets.

Investment Accounts and Portfolios

Along with the increase in the number of investors, the total number of investment accounts or portfolios held by individuals also grew. By the end of June 2025, nearly 13.91 million portfolios were held by individual investors, up from 13.56 million in the previous quarter. This shows that many investors are actively diversifying their investments and managing multiple accounts to maximize returns.

Steps Towards Global Investment Access

This growth comes at a time when Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority is exploring the possibility of opening its stock market to investors worldwide. The CMA has stated that expanding access to international investors could strengthen the market and increase liquidity.

In a recent move, the Saudi stock market was opened to residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, allowing them to trade directly. The CMA described this step as “logical and natural,” citing the strong economic, social, and regulatory ties between GCC countries and Saudi Arabia. Even if these investors relocate outside the Gulf, they will still be eligible to participate in trading.

Rising Participation of Foreign Investors

Foreign investors from outside the GCC have also increased their participation in the Saudi market. During the second quarter of 2025, foreign investors accounted for a record 35% of Saudi equity purchases. This highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing appeal to international investors and its position as a significant hub for global finance.

To attract more foreign investment, Saudi authorities have implemented several measures. These include encouraging high-frequency trading firms to enter the market, diversifying the Initial Public Offering (IPO) pipeline, and relaxing some restrictions for foreign participation. These steps are designed to make the market more accessible, efficient, and attractive to a wider range of investors.

Market Valuation and Investment Opportunities

Saudi Arabia’s stock market is currently presenting opportunities for investors. In July 2025, shares listed on the Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) were trading at a 32% discount compared to stocks listed on the MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI), based on forward price-to-earnings ratios. This discount indicates that Saudi stocks could offer attractive returns for investors, making it an appealing destination for both local and international participants.

Importance of Women in the Financial Market

The rising number of women investors is particularly noteworthy. It reflects not only a shift in cultural and social norms but also the increasing financial independence and empowerment of women in Saudi Arabia. By participating in the stock market, women are contributing to economic growth, expanding their personal wealth, and becoming more actively involved in decision-making related to investments.

This milestone also sends a strong message to the business community and policymakers about the potential of women as investors. It reinforces the importance of creating policies and financial products that cater to the needs and interests of female investors, encouraging further growth in this segment.

The record-breaking participation of women in the Saudi stock market is a clear sign of progress. With 1.74 million women now investing, along with a total of 6.9 million individual investors, the market is reaching new heights. Saudi Arabia’s efforts to open the market to GCC residents and potentially to global investors indicate a forward-looking approach aimed at making the stock market more inclusive, accessible, and attractive.

The continued growth of both male and female investors, combined with increasing foreign participation, positions Saudi Arabia as a leading financial hub in the region. As more people, particularly women, engage in investing, the Saudi stock market is likely to witness even more significant growth in the years to come.