DIFC completes on-time repayment of USD 700mn sukuk

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, today announced the full redemption and on-schedule repayment of a USD 700mn sukuk. This marks a significant milestone in implementing its sustainable financing strategy and commitment to responsible financial management.

The repayment of the sukuk reflects DIFC’s financial strength and the result of robust financial policies that enhance the efficiency of the Centre’s debt and financing portfolio. These financial policies reduce borrowing costs, mitigate refinancing risks, focus on cash generation from core activities, and ensure financial stability in the medium and long term.

His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, said: “DIFC has fully repaid its 2014 sukuk on schedule which reflects our financial strength. Over the past ten years, we have invested in high-quality commercial infrastructure, and this has helped position DIFC as the region’s preferred centre for business and finance. We continue to develop our real estate offering to meet high levels of demand from companies looking to establish or grow their presence in the city.”

The sukuk was raised through DIFC Investments to fund the expansion of the Centre with real estate infrastructure and development of new retail attraction Gate Avenue. DIFC maintained rational spending on all its projects and new developments, improved and diversified its revenue, and optimised the use of financial instruments.