MPs back urgent study of Gulf Air part-sale proposal

TDT | Manama

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Parliament yesterday backed an urgent recommendation for the government to study selling a minority stake in Gulf Air to outside investors while keeping a 51 per cent holding with Mumtalakat.

The move was tabled by MP Khalid Buanaq and supported by MPs Hesham Al Awadhi, Mohammed Al Ahmed, Dr Ali Al Nuaimi and Zainab AbdulAmeer.

It asks the government to look into a part-sale to test if bringing in fresh capital and know-how could strengthen the airline while the state stays in control.

Urgency

“This proposal asks the government to study, as a matter of urgency, selling part of Gulf Air’s shares to investors while retaining 51 per cent for Mumtalakat,” said MP Buanaq.

He said the call stems from repeated support from the general budget and the direct strain on the public purse, with current economic conditions pointing to the need to shift aid to where it gives better value for money.

“Allowing investors in while the state keeps 51 per cent would inject new funds and attract seasoned commercial and operational expertise. That, in turn, could lift performance, improve services and sharpen the airline’s regional competitiveness,” he said.