Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

Emirates NBD Provides Green Facility To Arabian Gulf Steel Industries


(MENAFN- Mid-East Info) Financing to support the UAE-based steelmaker's expansion in low-carbon steel production



Dubai, UAE,February 2026: Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT) region, has successfully structured and completed a green facility for Arabian Gulf Steel Industries (AGSI). This financing will support the expansion of low-carbon steel production by AGSI, a leading private sector steel manufacturer and recycler in the UAE, noted for its low-emission production technology.

AGSI, which operates with one of the lowest carbon footprints in the Middle East, will use the facility to increase low-carbon steel production capacity in response to rising demand for green steel from the real estate and construction sectors. As a pure play green company, AGSI has achieved significant milestones including being recognised as the first net-zero steel manufacturing plant in the MENA region and the first in the world to achieve carbon neutrality.

The transaction, classified as 'green' under Emirates NBD's Sustainable Finance Framework, strengthens the Bank's position as a regional leader in sustainable finance and reflects its commitment to supporting the UAE's transition to a low-carbon economy.

Steel production accounts for 8% of global CO2 emissions, making its decarbonisation central to achieving net-zero goals. As the industry continues its shift towards lower-emission iron, this transaction reflects Emirates NBD's contributions to the UAE's Net-Zero by 2050 agenda through sector-diverse green financing.

Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking at Emirates NBD, said:“By structuring this green facility, we are setting a clear precedent for sustainable industrial finance. AGSI's verified status as one of the lowest carbon footprint steel producers in the region highlights its leadership in sustainable production. This collaboration between Emirates NBD and AGSI reflects a benchmark for sustainable industrial practices that is in line with the UAE's national ambitions in green manufacturing.”

The financing is aligned with the Green Loan Principles of the Loan Market Association (LMA), with strict requirements on use-of-proceeds, ongoing environmental monitoring, and annual impact reporting. This ensures market transparency and accountability, while demonstrating how financial institutions and private companies can co-create value through environmentally responsible financing solutions.

Asam Hussain, CEO and Founder of Arabian Gulf Steel Industries, said:“This facility reflects growing confidence in the role industrial companies must play in delivering measured decarbonisation. Continued access to green financing supports our ability to scale low-carbon steel production responsibly, while remaining deliberate in how we invest, operate, and grow. Partnering with Emirates NBD, the leading financial institution in the region, reinforces the importance of aligning shared industrial priorities with credible financial frameworks.”

Vijay Bains, Chief Sustainability Officer and Group Head of ESG, Emirates NBD, added:“Our Sustainable Finance Framework aligns each green financing facility with international standards, supported by rigorous monitoring and reporting requirements. This provides stakeholders assurance that financing delivers genuine climate benefits. The facility reflects how Emirates NBD collaborates with a wide range of industries to support the transition to a low-carbon economy.”

About Emirates NBD:

Emirates NBD (DFM: Emirates NBD) is a leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye) region with a presence in 13 countries, serving over 9 million active customers. As of 31st December 2025, total assets were AED 1.164 trillion, (equivalent to approx. USD 316.5 billion). The Group has operations in the UAE, Egypt, India, Türkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, Russia and Bahrain and representative offices in China and Indonesia with a total of 787 branches and 4,526 ATMs / SDMs. Emirates NBD is the leading financial services brand in the UAE with a Brand value of USD 4.54 billion.

Emirates NBD Group serves its customers (individuals, businesses, governments, and institutions) and helps them realise their financial objectives through a range of banking products and services including retail banking, corporate and institutional banking, Islamic banking, investment banking, private banking, asset management, global markets and treasury, and brokerage operations. The Group is a key participant in the global digital banking industry with 97% of all financial transactions and requests conducted outside of its branches. The Group also operates Liv, the lifestyle digital bank by Emirates NBD, with close to half a million users, it continues to be the fastest-growing bank in the region.

Emirates NBD demonstrates leadership in sustainability by becoming the first bank globally to publish an IFRS S1 and S2-aligned report along with assurance of financed emissions and through the landmark issuance of the world's first Sustainability-Linked Financing Sukuk by Emirates Islamic of USD 500 million fully aligned with ICMA guidelines. Emirates NBD continues to engage and support communities through its pioneering exchanger volunteer programme which completed 10 years in 2025 with over 160,000 hours contributed to social causes for over 1.1 million beneficiaries.

About Arabian Gulf Steel Industries:

Arabian Gulf Steel Industries (AGSI) is the UAE's largest private steel manufacturer and recycler, based in Abu Dhabi. AGSI operates the world's first carbon-neutral steel plant, achieved through fully electrified production powered by clean energy, the use of 100% locally sourced recycled materials, and verified carbon neutrality in line with the PAS 2060 standard.

AGSI's operations support the UAE's transition towards a low-carbon, circular industrial economy and contribute directly to national objectives under the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy. Through responsible manufacturing, local value creation, and strategic partnerships across the construction ecosystem, AGSI continues to enable sustainable industrial growth in the region.

AGSI has completed its major expansion projects and is entering its next phase of growth as a leading sustainable steel manufacturer in the region.

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Mid-East Info

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