Abu Dhabi National Energy Company has secured a significant financial boost in the form of an AED 8.5 billion term loan aimed at enhancing liquidity and supporting its growth strategies. This loan agreement marks a strategic move by the company as it seeks to continue its expansion and strengthen its financial position.

The loan facility, which has a two-year term, is denominated in UAE dirhams and comes with a floating interest rate. A one-year extension option provides TAQA with flexibility should market conditions warrant further financial manoeuvring. This arrangement allows the company to draw funds in a phased manner, ensuring that its capital deployment is aligned with its evolving growth plans.

Emirates NBD Bank and First Abu Dhabi Bank were appointed as joint Bookrunners, Lead Arrangers, and Coordinators for the deal, reflecting their significant role in structuring and facilitating the loan. Mashreq Bank also participated as a Lead Arranger. The involvement of these prominent financial institutions highlights the confidence placed in TAQA's business model and future prospects.

The term loan was designed with the local financial landscape in mind, offering TAQA a distinct cost advantage over international financing alternatives. By using the Emirates Interbank Offered Rate as the benchmark for its floating-rate loan, TAQA is positioned to benefit from favourable local market conditions. This move not only strengthens its balance sheet but also underscores the company's preference for tapping into regional financing avenues that offer competitive terms.

One of the key features of the loan agreement is its alignment with TAQA's debt maturity profile. With no corporate debt maturities due until 2027, the two-year tenor fits well into the company's broader financial strategy. By securing this facility now, TAQA ensures that it has ample liquidity to support its operations and investments over the next few years, without the pressure of immediate debt repayments.

TAQA, listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, has long been recognised as a major player in the integrated utilities sector. The company operates across various energy segments, including power generation, water desalination, and oil and gas exploration, making it a crucial player in the UAE's energy landscape. As the company continues to expand its footprint in these sectors, this financial support will enable it to capitalise on new opportunities and maintain its leadership position.

The decision to structure the loan with a floating interest rate also reflects TAQA's strategic flexibility in managing its financial obligations. Given the evolving global economic conditions, this approach offers the company the ability to adjust its repayments in response to interest rate fluctuations, thus mitigating the risks associated with a fixed-rate loan.

This loan agreement also signals confidence in the UAE's financial markets, particularly the banking sector, which has demonstrated resilience and growth despite global challenges. The participation of multiple prominent banks in the deal speaks to the strength of the local financial ecosystem and its ability to support large-scale infrastructure projects, such as those undertaken by TAQA.

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