Muscat Stock Exchange Pushes for Emerging Market Status at Capital Market Conference

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The Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) is spotlighting Oman’s growing appeal to global investors as a strategic sponsor of the second Oman Capital Market Conference 2026. Held under the theme ‘From Resilience to Growth,’ the event brings together policymakers and financial leaders to map out the future of the Sultanate’s capital markets, with a key focus on its potential transition to Emerging Market status.

Quick Facts

  • Event: Oman Capital Market Conference 2026.
  • Theme: ‘From Resilience to Growth’.
  • Key Goal: Oman’s transition to Emerging Market status.

Charting Oman’s Financial Future

Organised in collaboration with the Gulf Capital Market Association (GCMA) and State Street Corporation, the conference addresses the rapid shifts in global investment patterns. The core agenda is centered on strengthening Oman’s financial markets to attract long-term capital and support sustainable economic growth.

A central topic of discussion is the potential reclassification of Oman to Emerging Market status by MSCI and its implications for attracting significant foreign investment flows. The event also explores the foundational requirements for developing an international financial hub in Oman capable of drawing in global asset managers and financial technology companies.

A Strategic Push for Global Capital

Haitham bin Salem Al Salmi, CEO of Muscat Stock Exchange, described the conference as a “strategic platform for dialogue” among key financial stakeholders.

“It reflects the growing interest in the Omani market, supported by ongoing developments at the Muscat Stock Exchange in terms of market infrastructure, liquidity, and the expansion of listed sectors and investment products,” Al Salmi stated. “Such dialogue further strengthens the ability of markets to adapt to global economic transformations and supports efforts to build a more efficient, competitive, and sustainable market.”

Faisal Al Nabhani, Managing Director and Country Lead for State Street in Oman and Qatar, noted the rapid transformation across the region’s investment landscape. “The region is undergoing rapid transformation across the investment and capital markets landscape, requiring stronger integration among financial institutions, greater connectivity across regional markets, and the development of deeper and more resilient investment environments,” he said.

The conference agenda included high-level discussions on global economic trends, energy resilience, and the specific steps needed for Oman to achieve its Emerging Market ambitions and navigate an increasingly competitive global investment environment.

About Muscat Stock Exchange

The Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) is the sole official stock exchange in Oman. It is responsible for regulating and developing the Omani securities market, facilitating the listing of companies, and providing a transparent and efficient platform for trading securities. The MSX plays a vital role in Oman’s economic development by mobilizing capital for corporate growth and offering investment opportunities to local and international investors.

Source: Zawya

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