$4 Trillion Market Capitalization of Gulf Stock Markets

The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretariat, Jassem Al-Bedaiwi, affirmed that the “Malam” program embodies a practical model for joint GCC efforts in investment awareness, through the integration of efforts by relevant authorities in GCC member states, the exchange of expertise and experiences, and delivering the message of financial and investment culture to various segments of society.

This statement was made during a speech at the fourth annual ceremony of the GCC Smart Investor Award, one of the initiatives of the “Malam” program for investment awareness in GCC countries, which was held in Riyadh.

At the outset of his address, Al-Bedaiwi commended the Kingdom’s patronage of the award and the facilitations and support it provides to ensure the success of the GCC’s work, highlighting the strong backing and attention that joint GCC efforts receive from the leaders of member states.

He noted that rapid developments in the financial sector, along with the expanded use of modern technologies and digital platforms, have created broader opportunities to access markets and investment products. Conversely, these developments have been accompanied by increasing diversity in risks, fraud methods, and unverified information, underscoring the importance of building an informed investor who understands opportunities and risks and is capable of making appropriate decisions. He emphasized that enhancing financial culture and investment awareness constitutes a fundamental pillar in building GCC societies better equipped to make sound financial decisions, strengthen the efficiency and stability of financial markets, protect investors, and consolidate trust in them.

Al-Bedaiwi pointed out that GCC countries continue to develop their financial markets and strengthen their regulatory frameworks to keep pace with economic and technological transformations, support economic diversification efforts, and enhance the region’s attractiveness to local and international investors. He noted that the market capitalization of GCC financial markets reached approximately $4 trillion by the end of June 2026, while the number of traded shares amounted to around 228 billion shares, with a trading value nearing $307 billion.

Al-Bedaiwi congratulated the winners of the GCC Smart Investor Award, affirming that the value of the award transcends mere recognition and celebration of creativity, contributing to a broader GCC objective: building a more aware society capable of managing its resources and shaping its financial future, and transforming financial knowledge into awareness, behavior, and sustainable practice.

In conclusion, he expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Saudi Capital Market Authority for hosting the event and supporting the “Malam” program and the GCC Smart Investor Award, as well as to all participating entities from GCC member states. He also voiced his hope that the award would continue its mission of fostering awareness and entrenching a culture of responsible investment, contributing to the development of a more aware, confident, and capable GCC generation able to shape its own future.