Saudi Arabia opens its stock market to direct investment from GCC residents, boosting economic reforms.

Saudi Arabia has opened its stock market to direct investment from residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, a move aimed at boosting market liquidity and attracting more foreign capital. Previously, GCC residents could only invest in the debt or parallel markets. This change, part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic reform program, seeks to diversify the local economy and enhance investor confidence.