DIFC Unit Repays $1.25bn Sukuk

DIFC Investments (DIFCI), the investment arm of the Dubai International Financial Centre, confirmed that it had repaid its $1.25 billion Sukuk.

The Sukuk obligation was viewed by analysts as one of the most challenging repayment tests in Dubai this year.

Abdullah Mohammed Saleh, governor of DIFC and chairman of DIFC Investments said: “We are pleased to announce the successful repayment of DIFC Investments’ Sukuk. This transaction reaffirms our commitment to meeting our obligations.”

Earlier this month, DIFCI said it had raised $1.04 billion through a syndicated facility to help repay the bond in full. The five-year loan facility was mainly secured on the firm’s property assets, DIFCI said.

Emirates NBD, Dubai Islamic Bank, Standard Chartered and Noor Islamic Bank arranged the deal. Moelis & Co acted as DIFCI’s financial advisor.

DIFC Investments made a net profit of $130.5 million in 2011, compared to a net loss of $272 million in the previous year, mainly due to reducing costs and a rise in rental income.