Saudi Arabia’s airport privatisation programme, that was announced earlier in November 2015, will be open to foreign investors, without requiring a local partner, the General Authority Of Civil Aviation (GACA) said on 5 January 2016. Also, for some airports, local investors will be limited to a maximum of 25% ownership; to ensure that foreign companies acquire controlling stakes in operating contracts, GACA added. The earlier announcement of the introduction of the privatisation programme included plans for Riyadh’s King Khaled International Airport in 1Q2016, while privatisation of the air traffic control and information technology units to follow in 2Q2016 and 3Q2016, respectively. Moreover, GACA added that Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport will be up for privatisation in 2Q2017 with similar plans for Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport later next year (3Q2017). The move comes as part of the kingdom’s strategy to support state finances amidst a low-oil price environment. Currently, the Kingdom operates a total of 27 airports. Over the past few years, various Saudi components have been listed on the stock market including Saudi Airlines Catering, Saudi Ground Services Company with the cargo unit next in line. (Argaam, Reuters)