Qatar: Foreign ownership limits raised

Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani has issued a law enabling non-Qatari investors to own up to 49% of shares in Qatari companies listed on the Qatar Exchange, compared to the maximum 25% permitted previously. Law number 9 of 2014, issued on 5 August, states that companies must get approval from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce to raise their foreign ownership limit; they could potentially go above 49% if they get approval from the cabinet. Also significant was the announcement that Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) nationals – who were previously treated as foreigners – are to be treated as Qatari citizens for the purposes of buying shares.