GCC Poised for $500 Billion Tokenization Surge by 2030

- Sovereign wealth funds, private markets, and real estate projects driving the GCC's entry into tokenized assets. - Regulatory developments in the UAE and Bahrain positioning the region as a leader in blockchain adoption, but challenges remain. 2026-01-28 On January 28, 2026, Cryptopolitan reported the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region could unlock a $500 billion tokenized asset opportunity by 2030. Sovereign wealth funds, private market instruments, and real estate projects will likely drive this growth as the regulatory and technological landscape evolves. Private markets present the largest tokenization opportunity in the GCC, with their value expected to grow from $4.5 trillion in 2024 to $6 trillion by 2030. As Dubai and Riyadh’s growing startup ecosystems become key hubs for blockchain innovation, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain are leading efforts to create tokenization-friendly regulatory frameworks to support this transformation. Tokenization will likely transform various sectors, especially real estate. In Saudi Arabia and the UAE, projects are already using blockchain technology to boost liquidity and allow for fractional ownership, with key advancements including Dubai’s Prypco initiative and Saudi Arabia's national real estate tokenization infrastructure. In addition, GCC financial markets could also change significantly. Tokenizing securities on exchanges like Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul and the Dubai Financial Market would simplify cross-border investing and enable fractional ownership of major companies, including Aramco. Banks in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE are exploring tokenized deposits as an alternative to stablecoins, an innovation that could allow for real-time institutional settlements and better treasury functions. Additionally, tokenizing sovereign wealth funds like Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund could provide greater liquidity and simpler fund structures once regulators clear the hurdles. The commodities sector also offers tokenization opportunities, as assets such as gold, gems, oil, and gas could create unique investment avenues for global stakeholders. However, the report notes that the GCC faces obstacles to tokenization adoption. Regulatory alignment across member states is a critical factor, especially as Kuwait lags behind other regions in its readiness. Successful implementation also depends on integrating blockchain technology, requiring the region to develop robust infrastructure for issuing, trading, and settling assets. The study highlights that financial institutions, asset managers, and sovereign investors are key to promoting tokenized assets in the GCC. These groups will likely drive both supply and demand, shaping the future of the region's digital asset markets.