Dubai-based banking giant Emirates NBD has successfully closed $2.25 billion in long-term financing, marking one of the largest syndicated borrowings executed in the GCC. The transaction underscores robust global investor appetite for Middle Eastern corporate debt despite a volatile global macroeconomic environment.
Quick Facts
-
Total financing reached $2.25 billion across two five-year facilities.
-
The $1.75 billion sustainability-linked loan was oversubscribed twice.
-
Fifteen international financial institutions participated in the transaction.
Structuring One of the GCC’s Largest Syndicated Loans
The multibillion-dollar transaction comprises two distinct tranches. The core component is a $1.75 billion five-year sustainability-linked syndicated term loan (SLL). Initially launched at $1 billion, the SLL generated massive market demand and was oversubscribed by more than two times, allowing the banking group to upsize the final facility.
Emirates NBD confirmed that this SLL achieved the tightest pricing in the institution’s history for a syndicated loan, alongside an extended tenor. This capital injection is designed to strengthen the bank’s liquidity position and provide a stable base of long-term USD resources to fund strategic growth across its operational markets.
Alongside the SLL, the bank secured a $500 million five-year Club Commodity Murabaha term facility. This Shariah-compliant tranche was arranged through Emirates Islamic, the group’s dedicated Islamic banking arm.
Backing from Global Financial Institutions
The dual-tranche deal attracted broad participation from 15 financial institutions spanning the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Bank of America, BNP Paribas, DBS Bank Limited, and Emirates NBD Capital Limited stepped in as coordinators, book-runners, and sustainability coordinators for the primary transaction.
Shayne Nelson, Group Chief Executive Officer at Emirates NBD, emphasized the significance of the global market response.
“The successful closing of this financing reinforces Emirates NBD’s strong credit profile and our position as a preferred counterparty in global loan markets,” Nelson said.
He noted that the strong oversubscription from international lenders, together with tight pricing, reflects continued market confidence in the UAE’s financial sector and the bank’s ability to access diversified funding at competitive terms.
Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking, added that the syndication directly supports the bank’s long-term USD funding profile and strategic growth priorities.
About Emirates NBD
Emirates NBD is a top-tier banking group operating across the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT). Serving over 9.8 million active customers, the group maintains a physical footprint across 13 countries. As of December 31, 2025, Emirates NBD reported total assets of AED 1.164 trillion (approximately $317 billion). The institution offers a comprehensive suite of services spanning retail, corporate, institutional, and Islamic banking, alongside digital-first offerings like the rapidly growing Liv lifestyle bank.
Source: Zawya
