Saudi CMA Sets Stage for Three Exclusive IPOs

Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority has greenlit three initial public offerings on the Tadawul Parallel Market, signalling sustained investor interest and broadening of the kingdom's capital markets. The regulator authorised offerings for Zahr Al Khuzama Aluminium Company, Quality Education Company and Sahat Almajd Company Trading on 18 June 2025.
The combined volume of shares to be sold stands at approximately 6.175 million, constituting stakes ranging from 11 to 20 per cent in the respective firms. Zahr Al Khuzama will float 300,000 shares, Quality Education 2.5 million, and Sahat Almajd 4.375 million shares.
Each IPO is exclusively targeted at qualified investors, with prospectuses scheduled for publication ahead of the offers. The approvals, valid for six months, reflect the CMA's intent to diversify offerings while maintaining regulatory oversight.
ADVERTISEMENT
Nomu has attracted increasing interest as a gateway for smaller and mid‑cap companies to access Saudi capital. This latest round of approvals follows 11 offerings already listed or in the pipeline this year, marking a notable shift in focus toward smaller enterprises beyond the main exchange, Tadawul.
The Zahr Al Khuzama float presents an opportunity to inject fresh capital into the aluminium sector, aiding its expansion and supporting the kingdom's industrial ambitions under Vision 2030. Its 20 per cent stake opening is likely to appeal to investors seeking exposure to commodities and D‑rated industries known for cost‑efficiency. Quality Education's offering, also at 20 per cent, underscores Saudi Arabia's emphasis on educational infrastructure and services. As the kingdom continues investing in human capital, this listing responds to rising demand for quality educational provisions.
Meanwhile, the 11.11 per cent offering by Sahat Almajd Company Trading—whose operations lie in trading goods and services—may serve as a bellwether for investor appetite in more diversified commercial ventures transitioning toward public ownership.
Regulatory constraints limit participation to qualified investors, aiming to ensure market stability and prevent speculative retail activity. This aligns with other recent IPO frameworks, including the Hawyia Auction Co float, which resulted in daily price fluctuation limits and standard listing protocols on Nomu.
The prospectuses, expected to provide comprehensive financial, operational and ownership disclosures, are anticipated to feature standard risk disclosures and corporate governance details. As an approved offering does not equate to an investment endorsement, the CMA is ensuring that qualified investors are aware of their due‑diligence obligations.
Markets reacted cautiously. Nomu's index has experienced slight downward variance amid global economic headwinds, but the IPO pipeline may inspire renewed investor confidence. The main index, TASI, closed at approximately 10,591 points—a decline of 1.15 per cent, while Nomu Composite dropped 0.96 per cent on 19 June.
Analysts note that the six‑month validity window compels issuers toward timely execution. As such, these companies must complete their share sales and listings before December. Those delays could result in approvals being rescinded.
Industry observers interpret this episode as part of a broader strategic push to deepen the Saudi capital market ecosystem, encouraging stronger participation from mid‑tier entities. In parallel, main market IPO activity continues to draw global interest, with high‑profile offerings such as those launched by Umm Al Qura, Entaj and Derayah Financial earlier this year collectively generating over US$1 billion.
The parallel market serves a complementary function, offering flexibility and attractively priced entry points for investors comfortable with slightly higher risk profiles in exchange for growth potential. With each qualifying investor required to conduct thorough due diligence, the system reinforces regulatory robustness while supporting ambition among a broader swathe of companies seeking public-market financing.
Saudi Arabia's capital markets continue evolving in line with Vision 2030 goals, with both infrastructure and regulatory frameworks maturing to support a more inclusive investor base. The inclusion of newer sectors, such as education and commodities trading, diversifies the market's profile—appealing to both domestic and international investors pursuing new growth corridors amid global volatility.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Arabian Post

12 hours ago

• Arabian Post

Gulf Growth Gains Amid Israel–Iran Strains

Gulf economies—led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia—are forecast to sustain stronger growth, underpinned by higher oil output and robust non-oil activity, even as tensions between Israel and Iran add volatility to the region's economic outlook. Capital Economics estimates the UAE economy will expand by approximately 5.8 percent this year, propelled by elevated oil production and expansion in tourism, finance and construction sectors. The non-oil sector continues to account for three‑quarters of national output, demonstrating effective economic diversification and a supportive fiscal framework. In Saudi Arabia, output has received a boost from OPEC+ adjustments. Riyadh, urging increased production, has reversed voluntary cuts of the past five years—liberating more oil onto global markets. This strategic move supports GDP growth, although economists caution it may obscure a weakening non-oil sector if public spending tightens. ADVERTISEMENT The Israel‑Iran confrontation has prised markets into cautious territory. Brent crude spiked above $78 per barrel before cooling slightly, driven by anxiety over possible supply shocks—from disruptions in Iran or through the Strait of Hormuz—though analysts generally see deep disruption as unlikely. Asian refiners, including in India, have shifted toward securing Middle East crude via term contracts, avoiding speculative premiums in spot markets. The UAE's stock markets reflect this duality. Following earlier losses, the Dubai and Abu Dhabi indices rebounded—rising 1.6 percent and 1 percent respectively—as hopes of de‑escalation emerged, buoyed by diplomatic mediation efforts. Nevertheless, Capital Economics warns that if the conflict deepens, Gulf growth advantages could erode. Iran's economy—roughly 0.85 percent of global GDP—might shrink by around 50 percent in a prolonged conflict, impacting trading partners; the UAE's exports to Iran alone represent 1.2 percent of GDP. A wider regional confrontation could trigger oil-price spikes, creating destabilising ripple effects. Yet projections remain cautiously optimistic. Capital Economics outlines a scenario in which hostilities subside within weeks: oil prices normalise near $65 per barrel and Gulf GDP growth remains robust. Oxford Economics likewise suggests that even in more severe oil‑shock scenarios, the macroeconomic impact may be limited and manageable. Longer‑term resilience in the Gulf is being supported by strategic diversification initiatives. UAE's efforts to expand non-oil industries through tourism, financial services and infrastructure are dovetailing with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030—including privatisation of state assets and SME expansion to lift non-oil GDP share. Nevertheless, analysts assert that non‑oil sectors in Saudi Arabia are showing signs of strain. Early signs of contraction coincide with public spending consolidation, even as oil revenues rise. UAE diversification, in contrast, has maintained momentum, with forecasts rising from 4 percent in 2024 to 4.5 percent in 2025 and 5.5 percent in 2026. Region‑wide growth expectations have been revised upward—GCC economies are now seen expanding around 4.4 percent this year, a 0.4 point upgrade—driven by faster OPEC+ output and sustained non-oil activity in key states. Despite these positive forecasts, cautious tones persist. Market volatility has increased across bonds, equities and currencies. A protracted conflict—which includes threats to Strait of Hormuz oil shipments—could have serious economic consequences.

Arabian Post

a day ago

• Arabian Post

OPEC+ Emerges as Pillar of Oil Market Stability

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman told delegates at the St Petersburg Economic Forum on 19 June that OPEC+ has evolved into a 'key guarantor' of global oil prices and market stability. The alliance's capacity to respond to evolving economic and geopolitical realities distinguishes it as an effective and trustworthy instrument for safeguarding the sector. At the forum, Prince Abdulaziz emphasised that OPEC+ adapts proactively to prevailing conditions. He was clear that any action by Riyadh or Moscow to offset potential disruptions in Iranian oil exports will be guided strictly by actual developments. 'We only react to realities,' he stated, declining to engage in hypotheticals—a stance aligned with OPEC+'s collective decision-making framework. Analysts say his comments come amid a sharp surge in crude prices, driven by escalating tensions following an Israeli assault on Iranian nuclear infrastructure. According to Reuters, Brent crude has climbed more than $10 per barrel in just one week, inflating the geopolitical risk premium. Despite this volatility, there has been no significant disruption to Middle Eastern oil exports to date. ADVERTISEMENT Prince Abdulaziz underscored the cohesive nature of OPEC+, which comprises 22 member countries. He affirmed that decisions are taken collectively rather than unilaterally by dominant players, a principle reaffirmed by his preference to 'react to realities' rather than speculation. The alliance's next meeting is scheduled for 6 July, when eight core producers—including Saudi Arabia, Russia, the UAE, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Algeria and Kazakhstan—will discuss production levels for August and beyond. Global demand forecasts also featured prominently in forum discussions. OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais noted increasing consumption in developing economies, especially during the northern hemisphere summer, reinforcing the need for calibrated production policies. Meanwhile, Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia's RDIF, suggested that Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United States might reprise their 2020-era role in stabilising oil markets, citing historical precedents from the pandemic response. Despite the ability to moderate price swings, the alliance faces internal tensions. In May, Saudi Arabia and Russia spearheaded a 411,000 barrels‑per‑day production increase, despite earlier preferences among some members for a pause. Leaks from the meeting revealed discontent with non-compliant producers, prompting Riyadh to push through the increase to protect its market interests. Analysts suggest this indicates a strategic pivot: reclaiming market share over propping up prices alone. Meanwhile, geopolitical variables are influencing OPEC+ strategy. Rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, following conflict between Israel and Iran, have elevated concerns of supply disruption. However, as of mid‑June, the vital maritime route continues to operate without incident. The U.S. is reportedly weighing deeper engagement in the region, a development that could further complicate supply dynamics and pricing. The energy minister also highlighted collaboration beyond output quotas. Saudi Arabia and Russia are advancing joint efforts to create investor-friendly environments through joint ventures in energy and related sectors. Prince Abdulaziz confirmed plans for Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak to visit Riyadh later this year, accompanied by a large business delegation. He said the initiative aims to 'deepen bilateral economic ties and foster diversified investment opportunities,' affirming both countries' commitment to mutual investment facilitation. These comments reinforce the perception of OPEC+ as a stabilising force comparable to a central bank's role in financial markets. Prince Abdulaziz described the alliance as 'the central bank and regulator of the global oil market,' emphasising its flexibility and responsiveness to global economic shifts. He further noted the Kingdom's support for Russia amid external pressures, affirming Riyadh's diplomatic solidarity. Looking ahead, OPEC+ is poised to navigate the balance between maintaining price stability and managing production share. The upcoming 6 July meeting will be pivotal in determining whether the group confirms further increases or holds current output steady amid signal mixed signals from demand forecasts and geopolitical uncertainty.

Broadcast Pro

2 days ago

• Broadcast Pro

ST Engineering iDirect and solutions by stc to advance satcom services in KSA

Under this deal, solutions by stc has significantly expanded its ST Engineering iDirect ground network by incorporating advanced products designed for both fixed and mobile applications. ST Engineering iDirect has entered a strategic partnership with solutions by stc to enhance satellite communication services across Saudi Arabia, in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The collaboration aims to accelerate the nation’s digital transformation by leveraging local satellite assets to deliver secure, resilient, and adaptable connectivity across a wide range of sectors. As part of this initiative, solutions by stc has significantly upgraded its ST Engineering iDirect ground infrastructure, integrating advanced technologies to support both fixed and mobile applications. These improvements will enable the delivery of reliable and scalable satellite connectivity to key customers, including government agencies, enterprises, and telecom operators. With software-upgradable solutions at its core, the network is well-positioned to evolve alongside Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding digital landscape. The Kingdom’s digital economy is on a fast growth trajectory, expected to increase from $55.15bn in 2025 to $90.25bn by 2030. This partnership enhances solutions by stc’s capacity to meet growing demand for high-speed, cost-efficient communications and strengthens its role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambitious development goals. Commenting on the collaboration, Don Claussen, CEO at ST Engineering iDirect, said: 'This collaboration with solutions by stc is a testament to our shared vision of delivering advanced connectivity solutions that empower digital transformation across the Kingdom. We are honored to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s efforts in building a robust, future-ready connectivity framework.' By combining local expertise with cutting-edge satellite technology, the partnership marks a major step forward in expanding the Kingdom’s digital infrastructure and fulfilling the connectivity needs of its Vision 2030 agenda.