BAHRAIN
Bahrain Bourse
Established in 1987 and officially commenced operations in 1989, with 29 listed companies, Bahrain Bourse is the only licensed stock exchange of the Kingdom of Bahrain offering various types of securities that include: Shares, Mutual Funds, Bonds & Sukuk, REITs and Treasury Bills. BHB also offers a comprehensive suite of exchange-related facilities, including listing, trading, settlement, and depositary services for various financial instruments. Trading is carried out through 12 licensed members, and day-to-day trading takes place through an Automated Trading System.
Since its establishment, BHB has joined several regional and international organizations such as the Union of Arab Stock Exchanges, World Federation of Exchanges “WFE”, Africa & Middle East Depositories Association “AMEDA”, and Association of National Numbering Agencies “ANNA”, which enables Bahrain Bourse to bolster its position within the global capital markets.
Founded: 1987 Location: Manama, Bahrain Currency: BHD Market cap: US$ 24bn Indices: Bahrain All Share Index Address: Bahrain Financial Harbour Manama Harbour Gate (4th Floor) P.O. Box: 3203, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: +973 17261260 Website: https://bahrainbourse.com
IRAN
Tehran Stock Exchange
First opened in 1967, Tehran Stock Exchange is a regulated marketplace that specializes in the trading of securities and untapped investment opportunities. During its first year of activity, only six companies were listed in TSE. The market has experienced its share of highs and lows in the past years including topping the World Federation of Exchanges’ list in terms of performance in 2004. TSE has been one of the world’s best performing stock exchanges in the years 2002 through 2013.
Founded: 1967 Location: Tehran, Iran Currency: IRR Listed companies: 663 (2024) Market cap: US$94 bn Indices: TEPIX and TEDPIX Address: Shahrdari st, Tehran, Iran Tel: +98-21-26741171 Website: https://tse.ir
IRAQ
Iraq Stock Exchange
The Iraq Stock Exchange was incorporated and began operations in 2004. Its vision is to be an integrated financial market offering comprehensive and diversified financial services in accordance with the objectives of the law and the competition with the financial markets. The ISX site provides market data, indices of different business sectors, as well as company data and guides. In 2009 and 2019, ISX had technological assistance from NASDAQ, and switched to an electronic trading system (X-stream) and a central depository system, which allowed for online trading.
Founded: 2004 Location: Bagdad, Iraq Currency: IDQ Indices: ISX Listed companies: 84 Address: Al-Karada Al-Sharqia – Al-Alwiya, Bagdad, Iraq Tel: +7711211522 Email: info-isx@isx-iq.net Website: http://www.isx-iq.net/
ISRAEL
Tel Aviv Stock Exchange
Founded in 1953, with its precursor dating back to 1935, the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) is the only securities exchange in Israel, and a public company itself, following its IPO at the end of July 2019. The TASE plays a significant role in the Israeli economy and provides a market infrastructure that is central to the economy’s growth. Its mission is to encourage technological innovation, creativity and transparency as a means to create real value for investors and the general public and to position the Israeli economy as a global leader.
Founded: 1953 Location: Tel Aviv, Israel Currency: ILS Indices: TA-35 Index Address: Ahuzat Bayit St 2, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 6525216, Israel Tel: +972 76-816-0411 Website: https://www.tase.co.il
JORDAN
Amman Stock Exchange
Founded in 1999, the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) is Jordan’s primary securities market, operating under government oversight. It plays a critical role in the country’s financial system, providing a platform for equities and fixed-income securities. ASE is known for its transparent trading environment and strict regulatory framework, ensuring investor confidence. The exchange tracks its performance through the ASE General Index, which includes major Jordanian companies from various sectors. It has been undergoing modernization efforts to integrate digital trading technologies and enhance liquidity.
Founded: 1999 Location: Amman, Jordan Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD) Indices: ASE General Index Address: Rafidain St, Amman, Jordan Tel: +962 6 567 3545 Website: https://www.ase.com.jo
KUWAIT
Boursa Kuwait
Boursa Kuwait was established in 2016 as part of Kuwait’s financial market restructuring. It has rapidly evolved into one of the leading stock markets in the Gulf region, attracting local and foreign investments. The exchange operates with a segmented market structure, including the Premier Market, Main Market, and Auction Market. Boursa Kuwait has focused on improving market efficiency, transparency, and foreign investor participation, playing a key role in Kuwait’s financial sector and economic diversification efforts.
Founded: 2016 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Owner: Privately Owned Currency: Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) Indices: Premier Market Index, Main Market Index Address: Ahmad Al Jaber St, Kuwait City, Kuwait Tel: +965 2299 2000 Website: https://www.boursakuwait.com.kw
OMAN
Muscat Securities Market
Founded in 1988, the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) serves as the principal stock exchange in Oman, providing a well-regulated trading platform for domestic and regional investors. The exchange features a diverse range of companies from sectors such as banking, industry, and services. Its main index, the MSM 30, tracks the top-listed firms. In recent years, MSM has implemented reforms aimed at boosting market efficiency, increasing investor confidence, and aligning with international best practices.
Founded: 1988 Location: Muscat, Oman Owner: Government of Oman Currency: Omani Rial (OMR) Indices: MSM 30 Index Address: Ruwi, Muscat, Oman Tel: +968 2482 3800 Website: https://www.msm.gov.om
PALESTINE
Palestine Exchange
Established in 1995, the Palestine Exchange (PEX) is a key financial institution in the Palestinian economy. Operating under strict regulatory standards, it provides a robust trading environment for local companies. PEX is unique in its dual-currency operations, allowing trading in both Jordanian Dinars and US Dollars. Its benchmark index, the Al-Quds Index, tracks the top-performing stocks. Despite geopolitical challenges, PEX continues to grow and modernize, implementing digital trading solutions and attracting regional investors.
Founded: 1995 Location: Nablus, Palestine Owner: Privately Owned Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD), US Dollar (USD) Indices: Al-Quds Index Address: Nablus, Palestine Tel: +970 9 237 1330 Website: https://www.pex.ps
QATAR
Qatar Stock Exchange
The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) was founded in 1995 and has grown into one of the leading exchanges in the region. Owned by the Qatar Investment Authority, QSE plays a crucial role in Qatar’s economic strategy, supporting capital markets and investment flows. The QE Index is the benchmark, tracking the top-performing stocks. In recent years, QSE has focused on sustainability initiatives and attracting more foreign investors through regulatory enhancements.
Founded: 1995 Location: Doha, Qatar Owner: Qatar Investment Authority Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR) Indices: QE Index Address: Grand Hamad St, Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 4433 3666 Website: https://www.qe.com.qa
SAUDI ARABIA
Saudi Exchange (Tadawul)
Tadawul, the Saudi Exchange, is the largest stock market in the Middle East and a key financial hub. Founded in 1985, it has played a significant role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic transformation plan. With over 200 listed companies, Tadawul attracts both domestic and global investors, supported by the TASI index. The exchange has implemented market reforms, including derivatives trading and foreign ownership expansions, making it a gateway to the Gulf’s capital markets.
Founded: 1985 Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Currency: Saudi Tadawul Group Indices: Saudi Riyal (SAR) Address: 6897 King Fahd Road – Al Ulaya, Unit Number: 15
Riyadh 12211-3388, Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia Tel: +966 92000 1919 Website: https://www.saudiexchange.sa
TURKEY
Borsa Istanbul
Borsa Istanbul is Turkey’s only stock exchange, providing a diverse range of financial instruments including equities, derivatives, and fixed-income securities. Founded in 1985, it is a key institution in the Turkish economy. The BIST 100 and BIST 30 indices track the most valuable and liquid stocks. As Turkey continues financial reforms, Borsa Istanbul is enhancing its global market integration, improving regulatory standards, and digitalizing its trading infrastructure.
Founded: 1985 Location: Istanbul, Turkey Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY) Indices: BIST100 Address: Reşitpaşa Mahallesi, Borsa İstanbul Caddesi No: 4, 34467 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Turkey Tel: +90 212 298 2100 Website: https://www.borsaistanbul.com
UAE
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange
Established in 2000, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) is a leading financial exchange in the UAE. It is one of the fastest-growing markets in the Middle East, driven by its large market capitalization and investor-friendly policies. The ADX General Index serves as its main benchmark, reflecting the performance of its top-listed companies. ADX has been focusing on expanding financial products, including derivatives and ETFs, and attracting international investments.
Founded: 2000 Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE Currency: UAE Dirham (AED) Indices: ADX General Index Address: Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, UAE Tel: +971 2 627 7777 Website: https://www.adx.ae
Nasdaq Dubai
Nasdaq Dubai is the international financial exchange for the Middle East, catering to regional and global investors. Founded in 2005, it operates under the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) regulatory framework, allowing cross-border trading. The exchange lists equities, sukuks, and bonds, including major international corporations. Nasdaq Dubai is a critical hub for Islamic finance, supporting sharia-compliant financial instruments and connecting the region with global markets.
Founded: 2005 Location: Dubai Financial Market (DFM) Currency: US Dollar (USD) Indices: Nasdaq Dubai General Index Address: DIFC, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 305 5455 Website: https://www.nasdaqdubai.com
