Saudi Arabia

Islamic Development Bank printed $1.25bn of sukuk on Tuesday that was firmly targeted at the sovereigns, supranationals and agencies crowd despite its emerging market jurisdiction.

The dispute between Qatar and six other Gulf states could curb its chances of plugging the country's banks’ funding needs through the syndicated loan market, leading bankers to believe more private arrangements may be the answer to the isolated gulf state’s woes. Bianca Boorer reports.

Saudi Arabia is following its fellow Gulf states by developing renewable energy. Bids are expected this month to build a 300MW solar photovoltaic power plant in Sakaka.

Saudi Arabia is reportedly planning to dilute its much touted National Transformation Program, a worrying sign for investors that confirms the doubts of observers who said the country’s Vision 2030 plan was too ambitious.

The goal of making the RMB a global commodities currency is not a job for those looking for quick successes. But recent moves from Russia and the Middle East have laid further bricks on the road to glory for China.

MPs are preparing to scrutinise the Financial Conduct Authority’s proposal to create a new premium listing category for sovereign-controlled companies, due to fears that it could weaken corporate governance standards of UK-listed companies.

International banks spent the summer applying for licences and securing talent as they beat a path to Saudi Arabia. History suggests that many will leave disappointed, argues David Rothnie.

Saudi Electricity’s $1.75bn loan, which was signed on August 16, is being syndicated out by the eight lead banks on the deal.

Saudi Arabia considers issuing its first Panda bond, Ministry of Finance (MoF) plans to roll over Rmb600bn ($90.1bn) of debt by issuing special treasury bonds, and the Chinese premier piles pressure on state-owned enterprises (SOEs) directly owned by the State Council to deleverage more rapidly.

Goldman Sachs has appointed a new head of investment banking in Saudi Arabia, after receiving approval from the country's Capital Markets Authority to trade equities there on Sunday.

Saudi Electricity Co (SEC), the largest utility company in the Middle East and North Africa, signed its largest international syndicated loan of $1.75bn on Wednesday with eight banks.

On Wednesday, the UK’s Institute of Directors, the organisation that represents company directors and business leaders, became the latest lobby group to voice its concern at the Financial Conduct Authority’s proposal to create a new premium listing category for sovereign-owned companies.