Saudi Arabia is set to open its capital markets more widely than at any point in recent history. From February 1, the Kingdom will abolish its Qualified Foreign Investor framework, removing long-standing barriers that limited direct participation in the Tadawul to a narrow group of global institutions. The change follows the 2025 Investment Law and eliminates minimum asset thresholds of around $500 million alongside complex licensing rules. According to industry executives working closely with Saudi authorities, the reform signals a broader shift that extends beyond equities into how real-world assets could be issued, owned, and settled in the years ahead. Key takeaways Saudi Arabia will scrap the Qualified Foreign Investor regime on February 1, removing high asset and licensing requirements for foreign investors. The reform is the largest single liberalization of the Tadawul to date and builds on the 2025 Investment Law. Lower entry barriers are expected to increase daily par...