Saudi Arabia drives 84% of Middle East’s $29.2 billion Q1 2026 dividends

Companies across the Middle East paid $29.2 billion in dividends in the first quarter of 2026, with Saudi Arabia responsible for almost 84% of the regional total. Saudi issuers distributed an estimated $24.5 billion, while Qatar paid $2 billion and the UAE paid $1.7 billion. The figures highlight how heavily regional shareholder returns remain concentrated in Saudi Arabia and underscore the importance of dividend payouts for investors across the Gulf.