Bank of Sharjah acts as joint lead manager & bookrunner in a $500mln green sukuk issuance for Omniyat Holdings
Sharjah, UAE – Bank of Sharjah, one of the UAE's leading commercial banks, has acted as Joint Lead Manager and Bookrunner in the successful issuance of a USD 500 million, 3-year Green Sukuk for Omniyat Holdings, alongside other international and regional banks.
The issuance attracted exceptional investor demand, with the order book oversubscribed 3.6 times. This strong interest from both international and regional investors reflects the global confidence in Omniyat's credit profile, the strategic appeal of the UAE's real estate sector, and the country's resilient economic outlook. Initially marketed as a benchmark size deal with price guidance in the high 8.00% area, the strength of the order book enabled the issuer to tighten pricing and set the final yield at 8.375%. On the back of this momentum, the issuance was upsized to USD 500 million, from the initially announced USD 400 million. Notably, 25% of the deal was allocated to investors from the UK, Europe, and the US offshore markets, highlighting robust international participation.
In response to the successful closure of this transaction, Mr. Mohamed Khadiri, CEO of Bank of Sharjah, commented: 'While Omniyat has previously tapped the loan markets, this Sukuk issuance marks a strategic milestone as its first foray into the Debt Capital Markets. Completing this landmark transaction amid volatile market conditions is a testament to Omniyat's solid business fundamentals and the market's confidence in its long-term vision.'
Mr. Khadiri continued: 'We are very pleased to count Omniyat among our valued corporate clients. This transaction is the beginning of a longstanding and mutually beneficial partnership. Our participation also reaffirms Bank of Sharjah's ongoing commitment to advancing sustainable finance initiatives in alignment with our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework and principles.'
Mr. Damian White, Chief Treasury Officer at Bank of Sharjah, added: 'This Green Sukuk issuance represents a significant step in broadening the services and value that the Bank delivers to our customers. We are very pleased to have been part of Omniyat's inaugural sukuk issuance, and the success of the transaction underscores Omniyat's strong market positioning and execution strategy.'
The successful completion of this high-profile transaction reinforces Bank of Sharjah's role as a trusted advisor and lead arranger in the region's evolving capital markets, while also stipulating the increasing importance of sustainable finance in the GCC and beyond.
About Bank of Sharjah:
Bank of Sharjah was established on December 22, 1973, through a decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Banking operations started in May 1974. The Bank was the first commercial bank in Sharjah, the fifth in the Federation and the first to make 40% of its capital available for public subscription.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Amir AlSalous
Chief Marketing and Corporate Communications Officer, Bank of Sharjah
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