Riyadh, Feb 21, 2026, 08:59 (AST) — Market closed.
Saudi Arabia’s benchmark stock index ended its last session down 1.87%, with the Tadawul All Share Index (.TASI) at 10,947.25. Decliners outnumbered gainers 253 to 14, with banks sliding 2.34% even as the energy sector edged up 0.29%, Saudi Exchange data showed. (Saudiexchange)
The move matters now because investors are heading into a thin stretch of trading days with geopolitics back in the driver’s seat. Gulf markets sold off on Thursday as traders tracked U.S.-Iran talks and rising military activity, with Al Rajhi Bank down 2.9% and Saudi National Bank off 2.1%, Reuters reported. “Markets … are now contending with mounting geopolitical uncertainties,” said Milad Azar, market analyst at XTB MENA. (Reuters)
Oil’s jump adds another layer, especially for a market dominated by energy-linked names. Brent crude settled up 1.9% at $71.66 a barrel and U.S. crude rose 1.9% to $66.43, as traders worried about escalation between the United States and Iran, according to Reuters. “The market will continue to rally in anticipation of something happening,” said Andrew Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates; Phil Flynn at Price Futures Group said, “We have a solid market with solid demand.” (Reuters)
The Saudi Exchange trades Sunday through Thursday, with the main trading session running from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and it closes on official holidays including Saudi Founding Day, the exchange says. Its holiday calendar lists Founding Day on Feb. 22, 2026, setting up the next cash session for Monday, Feb. 23. (Saudiexchange)
Company news will also compete for attention when trading returns. Almarai said its board recommended buying back up to 10 million shares to hold as treasury stock — shares repurchased and kept by the company — for an employee share plan, funded from its own resources. The proposal needs shareholder approval at an extraordinary general meeting, the company said in a disclosure. (Saudiexchange)
ASG Plastic Factory’s board recommended cash dividends of 4.58 million riyals for the 2025 fiscal year, or 0.65 riyal per share, the company said. It added that eligibility and distribution dates will be set after a general assembly vote. (Saudiexchange)
Saudi Fisheries reported annual results showing a 2025 net loss attributable to shareholders of 25.35 million riyals, narrowing from 40.99 million a year earlier, after scaling back wholesale activity and closing some retail shops, according to its filing. The auditor flagged a material uncertainty related to going concern — a warning that funding and restructuring remain key — the company said. (Saudiexchange)
In real estate, Emaar, the Economic City said it appointed Eng. Muhannad Al-Azzawi as chairman after the previous chairman resigned. Shares last traded down 3.19%, according to the exchange filing. (Saudiexchange)
Still, higher oil is not an automatic tailwind for equities. A weekend lull in headlines can unwind crude’s risk premium quickly, while a fresh flare-up could hit risk assets again, with banks usually taking the first punch.
When trading resumes on Monday, investors will be watching whether Thursday’s selling was a one-day flush or the start of a broader derisking cycle. Oil-linked heavyweights, bank direction and the drip of buyback and dividend proposals are likely to shape early positioning.
