Kuwait City, May 11: Kuwait Finance House (KFH) participated in the UAE Companies Investment Meet titled "Unlocking Kuwait's Potential." This participation affirms KFH's commitment to supporting economic growth while solidifying its leadership role in financing strategic development projects through its diverse range of financing services and solutions.

The two-day event was sponsored and attended by Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Commerce and Industry Abdullah Hamad Al-Jouan, KDIPA’s Director General Sheikh Dr. Meshaal Jaber Al Sabah, UAE Ambassador Dr. Matar Al-Neyadi, and UAE’s Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.

A large audience of economic leaders and officials from both Kuwait and the UAE attended the event, with the participation of 20 significant Emirati companies from both the private and public sectors.

During his speech at the event, KFH Deputy General Manager for Corporate Banking and Syndication, Nasser Alshaya, emphasized that "KFH is one of the most preferred and trusted institutions in the Kuwaiti banking sector for corporate finance. The bank has the largest market share in financing SMEs; robust capital base, high solvency, and strong credit rating as well as a wide diverse, flexible and efficient Sharia-compliant financing solutions."

“Following the successful merger project with AUB, KFH's experience has deepened and diversified. The Bank currently operates in 12 countries, boasting a large international network of 640 branches,” added Alshaya.

He noted that KFH holds the distinction of being the first Islamic bank in Germany and the first licensed under Malaysia's Banking Act.  Furthermore, KFH is the second largest Islamic financier in Turkiye. With a presence spanning across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, KFH demonstrates a strong global footprint.

Alshaya also highlighted KFH's pioneering role in financing local development projects. Notably, KFH financed the largest terminal construction project at Kuwait Airport in collaboration with the Turkish construction company, Limak Holding.

In the Oil and Gas industry, Alshaya highlighted KFH's leadership in the Islamic financing tranche and its participation in the largest financing deal denominated in Kuwaiti Dinar, for Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and its subsidiaries. This deal included both the clean fuel project and the Liquefied Natural Gas Facility project.

He added that KFH contributed over USD 2 billion in financing through various regional deals.  He further emphasized that KFH's leadership in Islamic finance stems from its values-driven approach, which translates into a professional and disciplined operational model. This significant contribution reflects KFH's belief in the crucial role played by the corporate sector and mega projects in driving economic development.

"Digital transformation has become a hallmark of KFH, allowing us to introduce several services, including KFH online for corporates," said Alshaya. "This digital service allows corporate customers to submit financing requests online, which facilitates KFH's ability to easily contact the customer and assess project feasibility."

He explained that KFH's role extends beyond simply financing projects and companies. The Bank acts as a project partner and advisor as well, further enhancing its standing by sharing expertise and providing advisory services to customers when needed. KFH offers comprehensive financing solutions across various project sectors, with a particular focus on petrochemicals, oil and gas, water and energy, renewable energy, and infrastructure.

The financing solutions KFH offers include debts restructuring, project long term financing, asset securitization, Sukuk issuance in addition to other modes of financing that cater to the different needs of projects and companies.

Alshaya concluded: “Thanks to KFH’s experience in the financing market and extended relations with regional and international banks, KFH is, without doubt, the ideal lead arranger of syndicated financing deals. I affirm KFH’s commitment to finance various projects across different sectors.”