Foreign investors will be able to hold up to 49 percent of Qatar stock exchange-listed shares in three subsidiaries of Qatar Petroleum (QP) [QATPE.UL] after limits on foreign ownership were lifted, the state-owned energy company said on Saturday.

In a statement, QP said shareholder ownership limits in the companies would also be raised, to 1 percent for Qatar Electricity and Water Company (WOQOD) and to 2 percent for Gulf International Services Company and Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding Company.

It did not say what the current foreign ownership limit is, but a stock market official said it was 25 percent for most companies listed on the Gulf Arab state’s bourse.

Earlier this month, Industries Qatar increased its foreign ownership limit to 49 percent from 25 percent in line with QP directives.