Muscat Stock Exchange Extends Trading Hours Starting June 2026

Muscat Stock Exchange to Operate Until 3 PM Under New Schedule

Muscat:  The Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) announced the extension of trading hours starting from June 2026 as part of its efforts to develop operational infrastructure, enhance market efficiency, and strengthen the competitiveness of the exchange at the regional and international levels.

The exchange stated that the decision comes within a strategic direction aimed at providing a wider timeframe for executing trading orders, supporting liquidity levels, improving price discovery efficiency, and enhancing market stability and depth.

Under the new schedule, the pre-opening session will begin at 9:30 am and continue until 10:00 am, followed by the continuous trading session until 2:45 pm. The pre-closing session will then run until 2:55 pm, followed by the closing price trading session until 3:00 pm, with the official market close at 3:00 pm.

The exchange noted that the update reflects its commitment to providing a more efficient trading structure that balances execution flexibility with pricing accuracy, particularly during opening and closing periods.

The extension of trading hours aligns the Muscat Stock Exchange more closely with regional and international markets, enhancing integration with global financial markets and enabling investors to engage with the Omani market within timeframes that better suit their investment strategies.

The exchange added that the move will provide investors with greater flexibility in responding to economic developments and local, regional, and international news, contributing positively to trading activity and market efficiency.

The update is also expected to attract a broader range of investors, particularly foreign investors, while supporting liquidity and increasing trading activity through the distribution of orders over a longer trading session.

The initiative forms part of a broader package of market development measures implemented by the exchange, including strengthening the role of market makers and liquidity providers, enhancing the regulatory and operational framework, and improving the investor experience through digital channels.

Haitham bin Salem Al Salmi, CEO of the Muscat Stock Exchange, said that extending trading hours represents a strategic step in the exchange’s development journey aimed at building a more flexible and efficient trading environment capable of adapting to economic developments and enhancing market attractiveness.

He added that aligning trading times with regional and international markets supports the integration of the Omani market within the global financial system and contributes to attracting investments, especially from international investors.

Al Salmi noted that the initiative is part of a gradual development approach adopted by the exchange to improve operational efficiency and strengthen the market’s readiness to meet the requirements of local and international investors, thereby supporting a more competitive and sustainable investment environment in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.