Foreign investors have shown strong interest in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stock markets, investing a net $3 billion in just three months, according to Zawya and Kamco Invest. Between October and December 2024, both institutional and retail foreign investors actively purchased equities across the region.

The surge in investments was fueled by robust IPO activity, positive economic growth indicators, and elevated oil prices, Kamco Invest noted. The UAE emerged as the top destination for foreign buyers, recording $2.4 billion in net purchases during this period.

Saudi Arabia also attracted significant interest, with foreigners securing $1.1 billion of stocks. Boursa Kuwait saw net buy trades of $156.5 million, and Bahrain Bourse recorded $1.1 million in net buys.

However, Qatar and Oman experienced different trends. Foreign investors sold a combined $603 million worth of stocks in these markets during the fourth quarter of 2024.

The strong performance of most GCC exchanges underscores the region’s appeal to global investors, driven by favorable economic conditions and market opportunities.