Riyadh, 12 November 2026 - Barclays, a leading global bank, has opened its Riyadh office at King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), following the Capital Market Authority's (CMA) award of an operational license to conduct Investment Banking and Global Markets activities in the Kingdom. The opening strengthens KAFD’s financial ecosystem and cements the district’s position as a gateway to opportunities in the region.
The new office builds on the Regional Headquarters (RHQ) license Barclays secured in 2025 and underscores its long-term commitment to the Kingdom. Barclays Capital Saudi will be led from KAFD by Majed Al Hassoun, who has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and Head of Investment Banking.
The addition of Barclays underscores KAFD's growing role as a center for the Kingdom's financial services sector, bringing banks, asset managers, advisory firms, and government entities together within a single district. It also reflects the continued evolution of Saudi Arabia's capital markets under Vision 2030 and Riyadh's emergence as an increasingly important base for global financial institutions.
Sultan Alobaida, Chief Commercial Officer of King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company, said: “We are delighted to welcome Barclays to KAFD. Barclays' arrival further strengthens the district's community of financial institutions and reflects the confidence that leading global banks continue to place in Saudi Arabia's capital markets. We look forward to supporting Barclays as it grows its business in the Kingdom and serves its clients from the heart of Riyadh.”
KAFD, the world's largest LEED Platinum-certified business and lifestyle district, brings together Grade A offices, residences, retail and dining options, and hotels operated by leading global brands, supported by advanced infrastructure and direct metro connectivity, all within walking distance. The district is home to more than 140 companies, including 25 regional headquarters, and a growing community of international financial institutions, such as Goldman Sachs, HSBC, Morgan Stanley, and BNP Paribas.
