GCC bond and Sukuk issuances reach $55 billion in Q1 2026, led by Saudi Arabia

Bond and sukuk issuances in the GCC reached $55.04 billion in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 5.6% increase year-on-year, according to data from Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz).

The total was raised through 95 deals during the quarter, driven largely by government-backed issuances and continued investor demand for fixed income instruments across the region.

Saudi Arabia accounted for the largest share of issuances at $32.54 billion, representing 59.1% of the total market, followed by the United Arab Emirates at $13.57 billion, or 24.7%. Qatar contributed $4.2 billion, while Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman recorded $2.1 billion, $1.98 billion and $650 million respectively.

Government entities were the largest issuers during the quarter, raising $20.46 billion, followed by the financial sector at $19.45 billion. The energy sector accounted for $5.52 billion in issuances.

Conventional bonds made up the majority of issuances, reaching $35.89 billion, or 65.2% of the total, while sukuk issuances stood at $19.15 billion.

Large transactions played a significant role in overall volumes, with issuances exceeding $1 billion contributing $33.33 billion to the total.

The data reflects steady activity in the GCC’s fixed income market, supported by sovereign borrowing needs and sustained investor participation.