Nasdaq Dubai has listed the Middle East and North Africa’s first corporate Blue Bond, a USD 100M issuance by DP World, a leading global supply chain solutions provider. The bond, issued under DP World’s USD 10B Global Medium-Term Note Programme, carries a 5.250% coupon rate and matures in 2029. It secured a spread of 99.6 basis points (bps) above US Treasuries, the tightest spread achieved by DP World in both bond and Sukuk markets. The proceeds will support sustainable initiatives, including marine transportation, port infrastructure, and water-positive projects, reflecting the region’s growing commitment to sustainable finance.
This Blue Bond issuance aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), addressing the funding gap for sustainable marine and water-related projects. It reinforces Nasdaq Dubai’s position as a leading platform for ESG-linked financial instruments and strengthens the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) as a hub for sustainable finance.
Nasdaq Dubai’s ESG offerings now include Green Bonds, Sustainability Bonds, Sustainability-Linked Bonds, and the region’s first Blue Bond. The total value of debt listings on the exchange stands at USD 137B, with USD 29B dedicated to ESG-linked issuances.
To mark the listing, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, rang the market-opening bell at Nasdaq Dubai, joined by Abdul Wahed Al Fahim, Chairman of Nasdaq Dubai, and Hamed Ali, CEO of Nasdaq Dubai and Dubai Financial Market (DFM). The proceeds will finance projects in line with DP World’s Ocean Strategy and its Decarbonisation and Water Strategies, further cementing the company’s commitment to sustainability in the maritime sector.
