UAE’s Tabreed settles its $500mn Trust Certificates due in 2025

National Central Cooling Company (Tabreed) demonstrated its ability to manage its liabilities proactively, maintaining a strong credit profile and preserving long-term financial flexibility to support its growth strategy when it settled its US$500 million Trust Certificates due in 2025.

The seven-year senior unsecured Sukuk was originally issued in October 2018 and matured on 31 October 2025. It was listed on the London Stock Exchange and carried a fixed 5.5 per cent profit rate. The Sukuk was oversubscribed by 50 per cent, reflecting strong demand from institutional investors across Asia, Europe and the GCC.

As part of its proactive liability management approach, prior to maturity, Tabreed had already repurchased trust certificates with the aggregate face amount of US$249.5 million and the remaining US$250.5 million balance has now been fully settled.

Khalid Al Marzooqi, Chief Executive Officer of Tabreed, commented: “This repayment reflects the financial strength and maturity Tabreed has built over recent years. As we continue to expand across the region, maintaining balance sheet resilience remains central to our long-term strategy.

“We are focused on creating value through disciplined growth, backed by a stable and well-managed capital base.”

The issuance was underpinned by Tabreed’s first-ever investment-grade ratings from Moody’s (Baa3) and Fitch (BBB) at the time.

The settlement reflects the company’s disciplined approach to managing its capital structure and underscores its strong liquidity position, supported by its recent successful raising of an AED1.8 billion Shariah-compliant debt facility.

Adel Al Wahedi, Tabreed’s Chief Financial Officer, added: “The full settlement of this Sukuk concludes an important chapter in Tabreed’s capital markets journey. We are proud to have honoured this obligation in a structured and strategic manner, using long-term financing that aligns with our capital structure optimisation goals and sustainability priorities.

“This is a clear demonstration of our financial discipline and market credibility. Tabreed’s robust credit fundamentals are further reinforced by investment-grade ratings from both Moody’s and Fitch, which continue to affirm its financial strength and prudent risk management.”