Gulf Capital Market Association Holds Conference to Review
Investment Opportunities

Muscat, 12 Jun (ONA) — The Gulf Capital Market Association
(GCMA) today held a conference in Muscat to review major investment challenges
and opportunities in regional capital markets and ways to develop a more attractive
investment environment.

The conference was attended by 150 participants, including
senior executives from financial institutions, asset managers, representatives
of investment funds and analysts from the Sultanate of Oman and abroad.

The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Said
Mohammed Al Saqri, Minister of Economy.

The conference laid emphasis on the importance of economic
diversification, means of enhancing financial stability and the role of
institutional reforms in supporting sustainable development.

Panel discussions at the conference discussed developments
in regional credit ratings, corporate financing mechanisms (through debt
instruments, notably in the small and medium enterprises sector) and
opportunities for integration among GCC financial markets.

The conference also underscored the growing role of
technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in developing investment tools and
expanding the base of investors, in addition to the importance of regulatory
coordination among markets.

Haitham Salim Al Salmi, CEO of Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX),
explained that MSX is undergoing a phase of accelerated growth driven by
strategic listings and regulatory developments.

Al Salmi added that market capitalization of MSX stood at RO
28.4 billion, supported by five major listings since 2023. This, he observed, affirms
the growing depth of MSX, as well as investor confidence.

Al Salmi stressed that MSX pursues a clear-cut strategy towards
transition into “emerging stock exchange” status, expansion in international
partnerships and adoption of principles of sustainability in investment
activities, in line with the approaches of Oman Vision 2040.

The conference was organized by the Gulf Capital Market
Association in cooperation with MSX. It highlights the commitment of MSX to consolidate
the Sultanate of Oman’s position as an advanced financial centre. It also reflects
the stock market’s keenness to provide an integrated investment environment to
keep pace with the best international practices.

— Ends/Bishara/AG