ARAB CAPITAL MARKETS SHOW POSITIVE PERFORMANCE IN Q2 2025 DESPITE GLOBAL HEADWINDS

The Arab Monetary Fund has released the 121st issue of its quarterly bulletin, highlighting an overall improvement in the performance of Arab stock markets during the second quarter of 2025. The Fund’s composite index rose by 1.55% compared to the previous quarter and recorded a 6.73% increase year-on-year.

Eleven Arab exchanges ended the quarter in positive territory, led by the Palestine Exchange with an impressive gain of 18.29%, followed by Dubai (11.96%) and Abu Dhabi (6.28%). In contrast, four markets posted declines, with the Saudi Exchange and Iraq’s bourse recording the largest drops at -7.16% and -4.33%, respectively.

Despite the upward momentum in market indices, total market capitalization across Arab exchanges fell by 2.42%, reaching $4,221.54 billion. Trading values also declined by 8.04%, amounting to $230.38 billion.

The improved performance was supported by a combination of factors, including rising oil prices, easing global trade tensions, and accommodative monetary policies. The U.S. Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, while the Bank of England and the European Central Bank introduced rate cuts. Meanwhile, most Gulf central banks maintained their rates, and the Central Bank of Egypt lowered its deposit rate to 24%.

Jordan FinTech Festival

Amman, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, September 22–25, 2025

The Central Bank of Jordan and the Arab Monetary Fund are pleased to invite you to participate in the "Jordan Fintech Festival," which is being held by the Central Bank of Jordan in cooperation with the Arab Monetary Fund on September 24 and 25, 2025, in Amman, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, at the Four Seasons Hotel.

299 Arab Trainees Benefit from the Training and Capacity Development Institute’s Programs in June 2025

As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity in Arab countries, the Training and Capacity Development Institute of the Arab Monetary Fund organized ten (10) specialized training courses during June 2025, with the participation of 299 trainees from various Arab countries.

 

These programs were conducted as part of the Institute’s mission to provide high-quality training content that keeps pace with regional and global economic and financial developments. The courses addressed priority topics for member countries, including macroeconomics, financial stability, institutional development, governance, and compliance.


The training sessions were implemented in cooperation with several regional and international partner institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), HEC Paris, the Islamic Development Bank Institute, and the Arab Regional Payments Clearing and Settlement Organization (BUNA), alongside international experts and academic specialists.


Through this intensive activity, the Training and Capacity Development Institute reaffirms its firm commitment to supporting sustainable economic development in the Arab region by investing in human capital and delivering practical training programs that enhance the efficiency of national cadres and strengthen institutional readiness to face future challenges.
 

The Arab Monetary Fund Organizes the 19th Meeting of the Arab Committee for Credit Information

The 19th regular meeting of the Arab Committee for Credit Information commences today, Monday, and will be held over two days via video conferencing. The Committee, for which the Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) serves as the Secretariat, is a specialized body established under the Council of Governors of Arab Central Banks and Monetary Agencies. Its members include directors and officials from credit information centers at Arab central banks and monetary agencies, in addition to managers from licensed national credit information companies. 

The meetings are also regularly attended by representatives from the International Committee on Credit Reporting (ICCR), along with several other regional and international institutions.

In this context, H.E. Dr. Fahad M. Alturki, Director General Chairman of the Board of the Arab Monetary Fund, emphasized that credit information systems represent a fundamental pillar of the modern financial system, playing a vital role in enhancing lending efficiency, improving risk management, and supporting financial inclusion, in alignment with international best practices. By addressing key focus areas, the Arab Committee for Credit Information can contribute significantly to broader goals of sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion across the Arab region.

His Excellency also commended the participation of relevant regional and international financial institutions and their valuable contributions to enriching the dialogue.

Arab Monetary Fund Launches Executive Education Program on "Tax Policy and Tax System Management"

In collaboration with HEC Paris and the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

As part of a pioneering step to enhance institutional capacity across the Arab region, the Arab Monetary Fund, in collaboration with HEC Paris and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has launched an Executive Education Program titled "Tax Policy and Tax System Management."

His Excellency Dr. Fahad M. Alturki, Director General Chairman of the Board of the Arab Monetary Fund, inaugurated the program with a keynote address highlighting the importance of this six-month initiative, which targets policymakers and experts from Arab countries. The program aligns with the Fund’s new 2025–2030 strategy, which focuses on strengthening institutional capacity and developing economic and financial competencies across the region.

The program combines self-paced learning, in-person attendance, and virtual interaction to offer a comprehensive educational experience led by international experts. It covers critical topics such as global tax policy, digital transformation in tax administration, resource mobilization, reducing tax gaps, and the latest trends in international taxation.