Tokenization to Unlock $500 Billion in GCC Assets by 2030, Kearney Reports
Private markets dominate the tokenization opportunity in the Gulf Cooperation Council, with investor demand for transparency driving growth. The sector is projected to expand from $4.5 trillion to $6 trillion by 2030, offering cost-effective portfolio management for private companies. Dubai and Riyadh stand out as hubs for high-growth startups and unicorns.
On-chain real-world assets, excluding stablecoins, surged from $1.1 billion in early 2023 to nearly $20 billion by January 2026. GCC stock markets like Tadawul and Dubai Financial Market could benefit from tokenized securities, simplifying cross-border access and enabling fractional ownership. Aramco’s $1.5 trillion market cap presents a prime candidate for fractional investment.
Banks across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE are exploring tokenized deposits to enhance institutional settlement and treasury operations. The shift toward blockchain-based solutions reflects broader institutional adoption of digital asset infrastructure.
