What are KSA and UAE ETFs?

KSA and UAE are exchange-traded funds that provide exposure to the Saudi Arabian and UAE equity markets, respectively. Both funds are managed by iShares and focus on specific regions, allowing investors to access these markets through a single security. They track equity indices, although the specific indices are not available. This structure simplifies investing in foreign markets without purchasing individual stocks, offering diversification within the specified geographic region.

What are the main fees for KSA and UAE?

The primary fee for each ETF is the expense ratio. KSA charges 0.75% annually, while UAE charges 0.59%. This means UAE costs 0.16 percentage points less per year. These fees cover fund management and operational costs and are deducted from the fund's assets. Lower expenses can lead to higher net returns over time, all else being equal. Investors should consider these ongoing costs when comparing the two funds.

What types of companies do these ETFs hold?

KSA focuses on the Saudi Arabian equity market, typically including companies involved in oil, banking, and consumer sectors. UAE targets the UAE market, often comprising businesses in real estate, telecommunications, and financial services. Specific top holdings and sector weights are not available for either fund, so investors cannot verify detailed portfolio composition. However, both provide exposure to significant companies within their respective regions' economies.

How do dividend yields compare?

KSA offers a dividend yield of 2.78%, while UAE yields 4.24%. UAE's yield is 1.46 percentage points higher, indicating potentially larger cash payouts relative to the fund price. Dividend yields vary based on the underlying companies' payout policies and market conditions. Higher yields may attract income-focused investors, but they should also consider total return, which includes capital gains and fees.

Are the holdings of KSA and UAE similar?

According to the data provided, there are no shared top-10 holdings between KSA and UAE. This suggests that while both funds are focused regionally, they invest in different companies due to their distinct geographic exposures. Investors seeking broader Middle East exposure might consider both, as they likely offer complementary portfolios. However, detailed holdings overlap cannot be assessed further due to unavailable top holdings data.

What markets do KSA and UAE track?

KSA tracks the MSCI Saudi Arabia Index, focusing on large and mid-cap companies in Saudi Arabia. UAE tracks the MSCI UAE Index, providing access to large and mid-cap firms in the UAE. Both markets are emerging economies with significant oil and gas industries, but they differ in economic structure, regulatory environment, and corporate governance. Investors should consider these regional characteristics when evaluating potential performance and risk.

How have these ETFs performed over time?

Specific historical performance data is not provided in the context. Both KSA and UAE were launched in 2014 and 2015, respectively, offering several years of market exposure. Past performance does not indicate future results. Factors influencing performance include regional economic growth, commodity prices, and global market trends. Investors should research historical data and consult financial reports for detailed performance analysis.

Are KSA and UAE suitable for beginners?

These ETFs can be suitable for beginners interested in gaining exposure to Middle Eastern markets. They offer diversification within their respective regions and manage complexity by holding multiple stocks. However, investors should understand the risks associated with emerging markets, such as political instability and currency fluctuations. Reviewing expense ratios and dividend yields is also essential. Beginners should research thoroughly or consult a financial advisor.

How do I buy shares in KSA or UAE?

Investors can purchase shares of KSA and UAE through most online brokerage platforms that offer international stock trading. These ETFs are traded on major exchanges, similar to stocks. Beginners should ensure their brokerage supports trading on the relevant markets. Additionally, consider the currency involved, as these funds may trade in USD or other currencies. Always review the fund's prospectus before investing.

What are the net assets of these funds?

KSA has net assets of $619 million, whereas UAE has $292 million. Larger assets may indicate greater investor interest and potentially more liquidity. However, smaller funds like UAE may still provide effective exposure to their target markets. Investors should consider these asset levels when evaluating the funds' stability and accessibility, alongside other factors like expense ratios and dividend yields.

Can these ETFs replace individual stock investments?

KSA and UAE can serve as alternatives to individual stock investments by providing diversified exposure to entire markets. They simplify the process by bundling multiple stocks into one fund. However, they may not offer the potential upside of specific stock picks. Investors seeking targeted exposure to particular companies within these markets might prefer individual stocks. Each approach has its trade-offs in terms of risk, cost, and potential return.

What should I know before investing in KSA or UAE?

Before investing, understand that KSA and UAE are region-specific ETFs that focus on Saudi Arabian and UAE markets, respectively. Consider the expense ratios, dividend yields, and net assets, as these factors impact returns and costs. Additionally, review the regional risks, including political and economic volatility. Since top holdings and sector weights are not available, ensure comfort with the lack of detailed portfolio transparency before proceeding.

KSA vs UAE

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in October 2026.

Compare KSA and UAE: two iShares focused region ETFs. This page examines their fees, holdings, dividends, and market tracking. KSA has a 0.75% expense ratio with $619 million net assets, while UAE has a 0.59% expense ratio with $292 million net assets. Top holdings and sector weights are not available for either fund. Educational content, not financial advice.

Compare KSA and UAE: two iShares focused region ETFs. This page examines their fees, holdings, dividends, and market tracking. KSA has a 0.75% expense ratio with $619 million net assets, while UAE has...

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

KSA

Metric

UAE

0.75%

Expense Ratio

0.59%

2.78%

Dividend Yield

4.24%

$619.01M

Net Assets

$292.26M

115

Holdings

63

Sep 16, 2015

Inception Date

Apr 29, 2014

–

Index Tracked

–

Focused Region

Fund Category

Focused Region

UAE costs about $16.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

These funds do not share any of their top holdings.

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Investment Analysis

KSA

Pros

],
cons
pros

Considerations

2.78%
1.6% per annum
no holdings data available

UAE

Pros

,
$292 million net assets
older than KSA

Considerations

,
4.24%
0.59% expense ratio

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About KSA and UAE

KSA (KSA)

iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF (KSA) offers investors a convenient, single-ticker way to gain exposure to listed Saudi Arabian equities by tracking an MSCI index of companies domiciled in Saudi Arabia. It provides access to key domestic sectors — notably energy and financials — and can be a simple route to participate in the country’s economic growth and reform agenda. Investors should be aware of concentration risk (a few large companies can dominate returns), sector and commodity sensitivity, currency and geopolitical risk, and liquidity variations compared with developed markets. As with all ETFs, performance depends on market movements and tracking error; past returns do not guarantee future outcomes. This information is general and educational only and not personal advice. Consider whether an allocation to a single-country, concentrated market fits your goals, time horizon and risk tolerance and consult a financial professional if unsure.

UAE (UAE)

iShares MSCI UAE ETF (ticker: UAE) is an exchange-traded fund offering investors targeted exposure to companies listed in the United Arab Emirates. It tracks a UAE-focused equity index and provides a single-line way to access a market that is relatively small, concentrated and influenced by energy, financial and real estate firms. Investors should be aware of concentration risk — a few large names or sectors can dominate performance — as well as sensitivity to oil prices, local regulatory changes and liquidity conditions. Currency risk is typically muted because the UAE dirham is pegged to the US dollar, but foreign-investor considerations remain. This ETF can suit investors seeking tactical or long-term regional exposure, or those who want to complement broader emerging-market allocations; it is not personalized advice and prospective buyers should review the fund’s factsheet, costs and their own risk profile before investing.

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6% Interest on Cash

Frequently asked questions

What are KSA and UAE ETFs?

What are the main fees for KSA and UAE?

What types of companies do these ETFs hold?

How do dividend yields compare?

Are the holdings of KSA and UAE similar?

What markets do KSA and UAE track?

How have these ETFs performed over time?

Are KSA and UAE suitable for beginners?

How do I buy shares in KSA or UAE?

What are the net assets of these funds?

Can these ETFs replace individual stock investments?

What should I know before investing in KSA or UAE?

Fund Snapshot

About KSA and UAE

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