Muscat – The Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) has been recognised for recording the highest dividend yield among Arab stock exchanges, underscoring the strong returns delivered by Omani equities as the market continues to post robust gains in 2026.

The MSX was given the ‘Arab Exchange with the Highest Dividend Yield Award’ in recognition of its outstanding performance in 2025 by the Arab Federation of Capital Markets (AFCM).

The award was received by MSX CEO Haitham Al Salmi at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Arab Federation of Capital Markets, hosted by the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and concluded in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

The Muscat Stock Exchange recorded a dividend yield of 5.2% in 2025, the highest among Arab stock exchanges, according to data cited by the Arab Federation of Capital Markets. The MSX30 Index also delivered a 28.2% annual return last year, the strongest performance among GCC markets.

Reacting to the award, the MSX said in a social media post that the achievement reflects its continued efforts to enhance market efficiency and liquidity, broaden the investor base, and strengthen competitiveness.

The Omani stock market’s momentum has continued into 2026. The MSX30 Index has gained 29% since the beginning of the year, maintaining its position among the best-performing Gulf market indices.

Trading activity has also accelerated sharply. Trading value on the MSX has exceeded RO9bn since the beginning of 2026, more than triple the level recorded during the corresponding period of 2025.

Market capitalisation of listed companies has risen to around RO39bn so far in 2026, representing a 22% increase from end-2025. Average daily trading value has reached approximately RO52mn in 2026, more than 150% above the average recorded last year.

The improvement in market activity has been accompanied by stronger corporate earnings. Net profits of companies listed on the MSX rose 12% in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier.

The latest performance builds on the MSX’s strong showing in 2025, when the MSX30 posted a 28.2% annual return, the highest among GCC markets, while the exchange’s 5.2% dividend yield ranked first among Arab stock markets.

The combination of capital gains, dividend income and rising trading activity has strengthened the profile of the Omani market within the region’s capital markets.