The first quarter of FY2025-26 delivered a clear message to global investors and regional entrepreneurs alike: the Gulf’s capital markets are not only open for business, they’re thriving.
With GCC IPOs raising US$1.6 billion, marking a 33 percent year-on-year increase, the region has demonstrated resilience amid a turbulent global economic landscape.
But beyond the headlines lies a more important takeaway for those considering business setup in the UAE or in the KSA: the Gulf is maturing into a truly diversified, investor-ready economy and the window to participate is wide open.
As IPO activity heats up across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman, the link between capital market performance and regional company formation becomes increasingly apparent.
This IPO surge signals the market appetite and reflects structural changes that directly support foreign and domestic businesses. Whether you’re a startup, a family-owned enterprise, or a multinational looking to expand, the momentum we’re seeing now offers a critical opportunity.
Here’s why.
GCC IPO Boom in Q1 2025 – The Leading Countries
– Saudi Arabia Leads the GCC IPO Charge
Saudi Arabia contributed 69 percent of total IPO proceeds in Q1, raising US$1.1 billion across nine listings. This wasn’t just a good quarter but a strategic statement.
With three listings on the main market and six on the Nomu parallel exchange, the Kingdom reaffirmed its long-term commitment to growing its capital markets. Nomu, in particular, is worth watching. Designed for small to mid-cap companies, its growing popularity shows that company formation in the KSA is no longer just for oil majors and conglomerates.
More SMEs and family businesses are taking the IPO route, supported by a regulatory environment that actively encourages transparency, governance, and scale.
– UAE’s Digital Sector Finds Its Public Market Footing
In the UAE, the highlight of the quarter was the US$163 million IPO of Alpha Data on the Abu Dhabi Exchange. As a digital transformation and system integration firm, Alpha Data’s successful listing reflects growing investor interest in tech-driven businesses.
The UAE has long positioned itself as a hub for innovation. What’s different now is the maturity of its capital markets. Investors are no longer just betting on ideas, they’re backing execution. For founders, this is a green light: now is the time to explore UAE company formation with an eye toward scale and exit.
– Oman Makes Strategic Strides
Oman’s US$333 million IPO of Asyad Shipping marks one of the region’s largest non-Saudi listings this quarter. It’s a sign that smaller GCC nations are no longer sitting on the sidelines and reflects the trend that governments are doubling down on capital market access as part of broader diversification plans.
– Sector Winners: Consumer Markets, Financial Services, and Energy
The sectoral breakdown of Q1 IPOs reveals deeper shifts in regional business priorities. Consumer markets led the pack, accounting for 42 percent of proceeds, followed by financial services (US$400 million) and energy (US$333 million).
This reflects that as Gulf economies shift toward service-led, consumption-driven models, demand for business setup in the UAE and company formation in the KSA is no longer limited to legacy industries. Retail, e-commerce, F&B, and lifestyle businesses are being seen as serious vehicles for growth and are even IPO-ready.
– What This Means for Business Setup in the Regions?
Whether you’re an entrepreneur from Asia, an investor from Europe, or a Gulf-based business looking to expand, the Q1 IPO data offers several strategic takeaways listed below.
- Now is the right time for business setup in the UAE. With rising tech IPOs and growing debt markets, the UAE provides both funding and scale potential for ambitious startups and SMEs.
- Company formation in the KSA is no longer just a long-term play. The growing activity on Nomu proves that the Saudi market now supports early growth companies and not just mature giants.
- Business setup services are becoming more valuable. With IPO-readiness, governance, and compliance now essential parts of the regional business playbook, expert guidance in structuring, licensing, and financial planning is critical.
- IPO activity is a proxy for market readiness. Where IPOs go, investment and opportunity follow. This quarter’s activity proves that both Saudi Arabia and the UAE are accelerating their efforts to become global investment hubs.
Looking Ahead: Risks and Resilience
It’s worth noting that this bullish IPO quarter unfolded amid global headwinds. Trade tensions, fears of recession, and rising market volatility haven’t deterred investors from betting on Gulf economies.
For businesses considering entering the region, this is a reassuring signal. Volatility may come and go, but a well-planned business in the UAE or the KSA stands to benefit from long-term capital market growth and policy support.
Final Thoughts
The Q1 2025 IPO results reflect the realignment of Gulf economies toward openness, innovation, and investor participation. Whether you’re launching a retail brand in Dubai, expanding a tech startup into Riyadh, or preparing a logistics business for regional scale, the infrastructure is here and so is the investor appetite.
So, the smart move is to align your strategy with where the capital is going. And right now, it’s heading straight toward the Gulf.