On 27 May 2014, the Emir of Qatar instructed the country's stock exchange to increase foreign ownership limits in listed companies. Citizens of member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (i.e. Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) are henceforth to be treated equally to Qatari citizens, whereas non-GCC citizens can own up to 49% (previously 25%) of the total capital of a listed company. The measure is effective immediately.