Etisalat deal breaks record for Islamic financing

The Islamic capital market proves its capacity to fund one of the biggest ever deals outside the oil and gas sector in the Middle East.

Deal: Etisalat

Size: $1.6 billion murabaha facility

Date: October 13 2004

Bookrunners: NCB, Samba Financial Group, Citibank and Emirates Bank

Saudi Arabian banks National Commercial Bank (NCB) and Samba Financial Group, in partnership with a group of international and national banks, have completed the first part of the largest Islamic finance contract ever with United Arab Emirates telecoms operator Etisalat. The $1.6 billion murabaha facility, signed on October 13, will fund Etisalat’s $3.5 billion bid for Saudi Arabia’s new GSM and 3G mobile telecoms licences.

Access intelligence that drives action

To unlock this research, enter your email to log in or enquire about access