IMI CIB main financial partner in the Middle East

Intesa Sanpaolo's IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division consolidates its role as a leading financial partner in the Middle East.

Since 2023, the Division has participated, together with other banks, in transactions with a total value of over EUR60 Bn, in particular:

• financing transactions in the role of Mandated Lead Arranger for over EUR30 Bn
• bond issues as Bookrunner for a total amount of EUR30 Bn.

In addition to these, there have been advisory and interest rate hedging transactions.

‘The Middle East region is a pillar for the international growth of the IMI CIB Division. We are committed to supporting the energy and industrial transformation of the area with long-term investments and partnerships.’

Mauro Micillo, Head of Intesa Sanpaolo's IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division

Intesa Sanpaolo's position in the region is further strengthened by its direct presence in the United Arab Emirates, where it has been operating since 1977 and is the only Italian bank with two branches, in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Strategic agreements for sustainability and innovation

In line with the United Arab Emirates' ‘Vision 2031’ plan, Intesa Sanpaolo has also entered into numerous strategic agreements, confirming its position as a key partner for Emirati institutions in the development of sustainability and innovation projects. Among the main ones:

• the partnership with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism for the development of the Green Innovation District at Expo City Dubai
• the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Masdar, a key player in the UAE's global strategy in the renewable energy sector, aimed at strengthening collaboration in Mergers & Acquisitions activities
• the signing of a Strategic Framework Agreement on the Circular Economy with the UAE Ministry of Economy, supporting the definition of circular policies, the promotion of sustainable business models and the development of a collaborative ecosystem.

Recent major transactions in the Middle East

Among the most recent transactions in which Intesa Sanpaolo has played a leading role in the region are:

• Green Sukuk for Saudi Electricity Company for approximately EUR2.4 Bn in two tranches of 5 and 10 years (2025)
• dual tranche bond placement for Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company (ADQ) of EUR870 M each, with maturities of 5 and 10 years (2025);
• hybrid subordinated issue for Aldar Properties for approximately EUR870 M (2025)
• Green issue for Masdar, in two tranches of EUR430 M each, with maturities of 5 and 10 years (2025)
• Benchmark euro issue by the Government of Sharjah for EUR500 M, with a 7-year maturity (2025)
• Financing of EUR150 M for Estithmar Holding as part of the SACE Push Strategy programme, the first transaction of its kind in Qatar (2025)
• Support to Masdar, together with a pool of banks, in two transactions to acquire a 49.99% stake from Endesa, related to 52 solar plants in Spain, worth EUR817 M and EUR184 M respectively (2024 - 2025)
• Sole financial advisor to Masdar for the acquisition from Iberdrola of 49% of a 476 MW offshore wind project with a total value of EUR1.6 Bn (2023)

An international platform serving growth

Thanks to its consolidated presence and integrated international network, Intesa Sanpaolo, led by CEO Carlo Messina, confirms its role as a strategic partner for institutions, sovereign wealth funds and companies in the Middle East, contributing to the development of infrastructure, energy and industrial projects in support of sustainable growth in the region.