Your Gateway to the Saudi Stock Market

From simple, informal trading between individuals to a structured and advanced marketplace, the Saudi market has undergone a major transformation since the establishment of its first regulatory body in 1985. Today, investing and entering the market is easier than ever — all it takes is your phone, with no complications.

Histroy
Saudi Market
Your Options
Trading Platform
Rahaf Aljunaidel
5+ years in financial markets

A Market Rooted in Economic Growth

Since the time of King Abdulaziz—may he rest in peace—commerce has been a foundational pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economic development.

As the Kingdom expanded, informal stock trading among individuals grew until the need for regulation became clear.

In 1985, the first regulatory authority was established, marking the start of a more organized market structure. Continued development eventually led to the launch of Tadawul in its current form—a modern, accessible exchange that today only requires your smartphone to begin investing.

What Is a Stock Exchange?

Organized Marketplace

A stock exchange is an organized marketplace where stocks and other securities are traded. It allows companies to raise capital by offering part of their ownership to investors and gives individuals the opportunity to participate in a company’s growth.

The exchange itself doesn’t buy or sell stocks—it ensures a fair, regulated, and transparent environment for transactions.

Tadawul – Main Market (TASI)
Hosts large, established companies like Aramco and SABIC. It has strict listing requirements related to capital, transparency, and disclosure.
Nomu – Parallel Market
Designed for small to mid-sized enterprises (SMEs), with lighter listing requirements. It's limited to qualified investors due to its higher risk profile.

Your Options in the Saudi Market

The Saudi market offers a variety of investment options to help you build a portfolio tailored to your goals—whether you're seeking long-term growth, regular income, or simple diversification with limited capital. Here are the key options to start with:

Stocks
Represent ownership in a publicly listed company and offer the potential to benefit from both capital appreciation and dividend payouts.
Investment Funds

A popular choice for diversification and risk reduction.

These are divided into:

  • Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs):
    Traded like stocks on the exchange, ETFs provide exposure to multiple companies through a single product.
  • Mutual Funds:
    Managed by licensed asset managers and available through banks or investment firms. They vary in focus—from equities and fixed income to global markets.

Choosing a Trading Platform

Your trading platform is your gateway to the market. It’s where you execute trades, track your portfolio, and access data. Platforms vary significantly in features, fees, and user experience—so choosing the right one based on clear criteria is crucial.

What to look for:

💰Fees & Costs
Review trading commissions, transfer fees, and any hidden charges—they impact your long-term returns.
📱Ease of Use
A clean interface and smooth navigation make decision-making faster and more accurate.
🧩Product Range
Does the platform offer only stocks? Or can you also invest in ETFs, sukuk, and other instruments?
📈Support Tools
Look for features like real-time data, market reports, and analysis tools to help you monitor performance and make informed decisions.

We’ve prepared a comparison of top Saudi trading platforms to help you choose the one that best fits your goals.

Platfrom
Comssion
Settlement Time
Deposit
Withdraw
Opening Account
Platfrom Type
Learn More
Al Rajhi Capital
Platfrom type
Local
0.0155%
MIN
not mentioned on their site
MAX
not mentioned on their site
2 days to withdraw
Deposit Fee
Transfer fees to a local bank only
Depoist TIme
Instant
Withdraw Fee
0 SAR
Withdraw Time
2 working days
Instant to Al Rajhi Bank account
App
Derayah Financial
Platfrom type
Local
0.0155%
MIN
0.01 SAR
MAX
It was not mentioned on their site
2 days to withdraw
Deposit Fee
Transfer fees to a local bank only
Depoist TIme
Instant
Withdraw Fee
$0
Withdraw Time
20 minutes
Less than a day
App & Website

Final Takeaway

The Saudi stock market is now part of a larger economic transformation in the Kingdom. With new listings, expanding sectors, and evolving regulations, access has never been easier.
But success still requires understanding. Don’t start with tips and rumors—start by learning how the market works, what tools are available, and what fits your goals and risk tolerance.
The better your understanding, the stronger your foundation as an investor.