Emirates NBD Lists Renminbi Bond on Nasdaq Dubai

Nasdaq Dubai has added a CNY 1 billion bond issued by Emirates NBD to its debt listings, enhancing its visibility in Asian-linked capital flows. This Renminbi-denominated issue is offered under the bank’s US$20 billion Euro Medium Term Note programme and deepens Dubai’s reach into Chinese-currency debt markets.

The bond carries a coupon of 2.40 percent and will mature in 2028, positioning it as a three-year note. The listing increases Emirates NBD’s outstanding debt instruments on Nasdaq Dubai to roughly USD 5.4 billion across nine offerings, making the lender one of the exchange’s most active issuers.

Financial market participants view the issuance as a strategic maneuver by Emirates NBD to diversify its funding sources beyond conventional currencies and tap international investor appetite for Renminbi-exposure. It also underscores Dubai’s ambition to act as a conduit between Middle Eastern capital and Asian markets.

On the trading floor, the announcement lent support to a positive mood in Dubai equities, with the Dubai Financial Market index posting gains amid broader GCC market strength. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi equities remained largely flat.

Emirates NBD has a robust presence across the MENAT region and beyond, with assets under management exceeding AED 1.086 trillion as of mid-2025. Its footprint spans 13 countries, including operations in India, Türkiye, the UK and several European locations.

The bank’s reliance on cross-currency debt instruments has accelerated in recent years as institutions globally seek to hedge against USD dependence and capture yield differentials in multiple markets. Analysts suggest that the timing of the issue may take advantage of strong international investor demand for Renminbi instruments, particularly from Asia-based fixed income funds.

Nasdaq Dubai, established in 2005 and majority-owned by Dubai Financial Market and Borse Dubai, has steadily built its debt capital markets platform to include conventional bonds, sukuk, ESG products and cross-regional financing instruments.

By facilitating a Renminbi-denominated bond from a UAE banking institution, the exchange bolsters its role in bridging Gulf capital with Asian credit markets. Market observers note that this listing may encourage further issuers in the GCC region to explore non-USD funding routes, particularly in Chinese, euro or other emerging market currencies.

Emirates NBD’s debut to the Dim Sum market via Nasdaq Dubai positions it to leverage cross-border debt flows and enhance the bank’s appeal to Renminbi-based investors. With international capital seeking diversification, the move is likely to intensify competition among regional banks to issue in foreign currency segments.