Nasdaq Dubai Welcomes $2B China Bonds

In a significant move that underscores the growing financial ties between the United Arab Emirates and China, Nasdaq Dubai has announced the listing of two bonds issued by the Ministry of Finance of the People’s Republic of China. These bonds, one a 3-year $1.25 billion bond and the other a 5-year $0.75 billion bond, further solidify Nasdaq Dubai's position as a leading venue for international debt securities.

The UAE has long been committed to enhancing its economic and financial collaboration with China, a partnership that has been flourishing for over four decades. This bond listing is a testament to that commitment, as it not only strengthens bilateral relations but also highlights the strategic importance of Nasdaq Dubai as a bridge for capital flows between Asia and the Middle East.

With this new listing, Nasdaq Dubai's cumulative bond listings have reached $42 billion, while total debt listings stand at $135 billion across 156 issuances. More than 50% of these issuances are government or sovereign, indicating a strong preference for Nasdaq Dubai among global government entities.

Chinese entities have been particularly active on Nasdaq Dubai, with over $22 billion in debt listed to date. The presence of China's big four banks—Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, Bank of China, China Construction Bank Corporation, and Agricultural Bank of China—further underscores the exchange's reputation as a preferred platform for Chinese issuers.

Hamed Ali, CEO of Nasdaq Dubai and Dubai Financial Market (DFM), expressed his enthusiasm for the new issuance, stating that it highlights Nasdaq Dubai's commitment to fostering deep, collaborative relationships with international jurisdictions. He emphasized the role of Nasdaq Dubai as a bridge for global capital, facilitating robust financial market interactions.

Ian Johnston, Chief Executive of the Dubai Financial Services Authority, also praised the listing, noting that the growing collaboration between China and the Middle East presents transformative opportunities for stakeholders in both regions. He remarked that this significant listing underscores the deepening economic ties and collaborative financial aspirations of the two nations.

For investors, this development could be seen as a positive signal of the strengthening financial infrastructure and international relations in the region. However, given the current market conditions and geopolitical factors, a cautious approach is advisable. Therefore, the suggestion for investors would be to hold their positions and monitor how the UAE-China financial relationship evolves further.