Tadawul Opens to All Foreign Investors in 2026

Saudi Living reports that the Tadawul Main Market is now open to all categories of foreign investors for direct investment, following the abolition of the Qualified Foreign Investor (QFI) framework effective 1 February 2026. The old eligibility threshold that previously governed direct access to the Main Market is no longer required.

The move removes a long-standing barrier for many foreign residents and international investors who wanted to trade Saudi-listed shares directly. Investors still need to work through a broker licensed by the Capital Market Authority, or a member of the Saudi Exchange, to place trades.

What stays the same

Existing foreign ownership caps remain in place. Any single non-resident foreign investor may hold up to 10% of a listed company, while all foreign investors combined may hold up to 49% in aggregate.

Trading runs Sunday to Thursday, with a pre-open session from 9:30 to 10:00 AST and continuous trading from 10:00 to 15:00 AST. The standard equity settlement cycle is T+2, meaning trades settle two business days after execution.

On costs, the Tadawul trading fee is reported at 0.00005 of transaction value, with total all-in costs often cited in the range of roughly 0.12% to 0.18%, depending on the broker and account size.

For the wider community in Riyadh and Jeddah, the change simplifies market access and could widen participation in local equities. Investors are encouraged to confirm exact fee schedules and account-opening steps directly with a licensed broker before trading.

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