“We are optimistic... The markets have started to recover. We expect it to recover even more in 2017 and I think the time in 2018 will be almost right,” he said.

Nasser said that while leading Saudi officials have spoken of a 5% share of Aramco being offered in the IPO, the precise size of the stake to be sold will be decided by Aramco’s owner, Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Council.

He