The Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) Holding Group announced the trading hours for the Saudi financial market during the holy month of Ramadan, in addition to setting the date for the Eid al-Fitr holiday, in an annual step awaited by investors and traders in the largest financial market in the Middle East and North Africa region.
General context and importance of the announcement
This announcement comes as part of the regular regulatory procedures undertaken by Tadawul to ensure transparency and provide clear information to market participants. Historically, some financial markets in the region have adjusted trading hours during Ramadan to accommodate the holy month. However, Tadawul's decision to maintain its usual hours reflects the market's maturity and development, and its ongoing commitment to keeping pace with global best practices. This ensures the continuity of operations and the market's attractiveness to international investors, whose decisions constitute a significant part of market liquidity.
Details of trading hours during Ramadan
The Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) confirmed that trading hours for all listed markets will remain unchanged during the holy month, as follows:
Stock markets (main market, and Nomu – parallel market):
- Opening auction: from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM.
- Continuous trading period (market open): from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- Closing auction: from 3:00 PM to 3:10 PM.
- Trading at the closing price: from 3:10 PM to 3:20 PM.
- Post-trading session: from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM.
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) market:
- Opening auction: from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM.
- Continuous trading period (market open): from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- Post-trading session: from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Sukuk and bond market:
- Opening auction: from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM.
- Continuous trading period (market open): from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- Post-trading session: from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Financial derivatives market:
- Opening auction: from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM.
- Continuous trading period (market open): from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
- Post-trading session: from 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM.
Eid al-Fitr holiday
The Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) has also announced the dates for the Eid al-Fitr holiday, which will begin at the close of trading on Monday, 27 Ramadan 1447 AH (corresponding to March 16, 2026). Trading will resume after the holiday on Tuesday, 5 Shawwal 1447 AH (corresponding to March 24, 2026).
Expected impact on the market
This announcement provides certainty for local, regional, and international investors, allowing them to plan their trading and investment strategies in advance. The stability of trading hours reinforces the Saudi market's position as a reliable financial market integrated with global markets, which is particularly important following its inclusion in major global indices such as MSCI and FTSE Russell. This inclusion increases foreign capital inflows and enhances market liquidity and depth.
