The pandemic hit the Gulf state hard last year, both through the shock of low oil prices and the huge toll it took on vital non-oil economic sectors such as tourism.
The concerns of a third COVID-19 wave in Europe is weighing down on demand expectations thus negatively affecting energy prices and oil prices which are particularly sensitive in the Gulf region.
Saudi Arabia's benchmark index fell 0.3%, pressured by a 4.2% fall in Riyad Bank, which went ex-dividend.