Saudi MoF Announces Successful Stage in International Syndicated Loan Refinance Facility

Ministry of Finance (MoF) Logo
Ministry of Finance (MoF) Logo
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Saudi MoF Announces Successful Stage in International Syndicated Loan Refinance Facility

Ministry of Finance (MoF) Logo
Ministry of Finance (MoF) Logo

Saudi Debt Management Office (DMO) of the Ministry of Finance (MoF) reported that all banks participating in the international syndicated loan confirmed their approval of the terms, which is another successful stage in the amendment, repricing and extension of the Kingdom’s 2016’s $10 billion loan.

DMO announced that request for proposals were sent to the 14 banks that participated in the 2016 transaction in addition to a group of financial institutions who have sought to join the Kingdom’s core bank group.

Due to the exceptional response to this process from the global bank market, from both existing holders and new banks, the total facility size will increase by $6 billion to $16 billion.

In response to the strong global demand for Shariah compliant issuance from the Kingdom, a significant Islamic tranche will be introduced to the transaction, demonstrating and supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goal of becoming the leading Islamic finance hub, added the Office.

The consistent and prudent steps taken by the Kingdom over the past two years to realize Vision 2030 via the Fiscal Balance Program and other economic reforms have been reflected in the scale and nature of the global market response to this benchmark transaction.

Pricing for the revised facility, will be set at a margin representing a 30 percent reduction from levels set in 2016.

Currently, the DMO is finalizing the documentation process for the transaction and intends to close the financing by mid-March.

Minister of Finance, Mohammed al-Jadaan, commented on the successful outcomes saying it was led and coordinated with the partner financial institutions.

"We are pleased that the transaction, with its increased size and enhanced terms, not only reflects the global banking community’s recognition of the strengthening of the Saudi economy, but is also a further step in the realization of the DMO and Ministry of Finance’s ambitions to achieve a prominent position for the Kingdom in the international financial markets," Jadaan indicated.

The minister pointed out that this operation validates the Ministry of Finance’s role as part of Vision 2030’s ambition to create a global investment powerhouse.

The Debt Management Office was established in the fourth quarter of 2015 to secure Saudi Arabia’s financing needs with best financing costs in the short, medium, and long term under acceptable degree of risk in compliance with the financial policies.

Meanwhile, Saudi MoF completed the establishment of an international debt issuance program which was done by the DMO. The office also appointed a number of international investment banks to coordinate a series of meetings with debt investors.



Saudi Arabia Calls for Global Water Cooperation to Advance Integrated Management

The first preparatory meeting for the 11th World Water Forum 2027 kicked off in Riyadh on Monday. (11th World Water Forum 2027 | Riyadh 2027 on X)
The first preparatory meeting for the 11th World Water Forum 2027 kicked off in Riyadh on Monday. (11th World Water Forum 2027 | Riyadh 2027 on X)
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Saudi Arabia Calls for Global Water Cooperation to Advance Integrated Management

The first preparatory meeting for the 11th World Water Forum 2027 kicked off in Riyadh on Monday. (11th World Water Forum 2027 | Riyadh 2027 on X)
The first preparatory meeting for the 11th World Water Forum 2027 kicked off in Riyadh on Monday. (11th World Water Forum 2027 | Riyadh 2027 on X)

The first preparatory meeting for the 11th World Water Forum 2027 kicked off in Riyadh on Monday with the participation of top scientists, experts, decision-makers from around the world.

Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley, with the participation of World Water Council President Loïc Fauchon, inaugurated the official logo of the World Water Forum 2027.

In his remarks, Alfadley emphasized Saudi Arabia’s call for strengthened international cooperation and joint efforts among countries and organizations to tackle global water challenges. He underscored the importance of ensuring universal access to water and sanitation services as a key pillar in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).

“Saudi Arabia prioritizes the water sector through various measures, including the adoption of a national strategy encompassing water production, storage, transportation, distribution, treatment, and reuse, all within a comprehensive institutional framework,” Alfadley added.

He further stated that the Kingdom has implemented Integrated Water Resources Management and enhanced supply chain governance. This is supported by the release of a long-term supply and demand plan that extends to 2050, alongside a commitment to environmental, social, and economic considerations in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

Highlighting the Kingdom's leading role in supporting regional and international water issues, Alfadley pointed to the launching of the Global Water Organization, aimed at fostering international collaboration, and the establishment of an International Water Research Center focused on water economics, water security, advanced technologies, and digital transformation.

Fauchon said the council, in collaboration with Saudi authorities, has developed a comprehensive framework outlining the thematic, regional, and political components that will shape the roadmap for the 11th edition of the forum that is being held in the Middle East for the first time.

He stressed the need to make water a top global priority, adding that this gathering will lay the foundation for future water policies. “The way ahead is still long, but we are confident we’re on the right path toward real solutions—solutions that can change lives,” he said.

Deputy Minister for Water at the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Dr. Abdulaziz Alshaibani underscored the urgency of the current moment, describing the preparatory meeting as a call for serious and immediate action. Alshaibani emphasized the need to build upon existing progress in the water sector and to move decisively towards solidifying priorities.

He stressed the importance of greater coherence and integration across all sectors, along with the unification of all efforts, to achieve tangible solutions to global water challenges and to meet SDG 6. Alshaibani further noted that effective solutions must be anchored in several key pillars, including financing, innovation, diplomacy, and environmental considerations.

The World Water Forum 2027, organized by the World Water Council in Saudi Arabia, is a significant international platform for exchanging ideas and experiences in water management.