IslamicFinance.de

Gulf Daily News reported on 7 January that Kuwait may issues Sukuk or Murabaha facilities using qualified investment firm's assets as collateral. Citing another daily Al Rai, saying the government had finalised plans for a bill to do so, but may need parliament's approval. Several of the investment firms have said they need fresh funds and have difficulties raising them. Global Investment House and Investment Dar both are said as seeking finance up to USD 1 bn. Further the daily newspaper Al Qabas wrote that Global is still waiting response from foreign financers on a 3-month moratorium to repay elder loans.

Talal Malik reported on 7 April 2008 that the Bahrain-based International Islamic Financial Market (IIFM) said to finalise soon the standardisation for a Master Murabaha Agreement called Master Agreement for Treasury Placement (MATP). The Agreements are under final review by Sharia scholars.

Khalid Hamad is chairman of IIFM.

Source: http://www.arabianbusiness.com/515834-bahrains-iifm-drawing-up-islamic-f...

AME Info reported on 30 March that the long awaited Saudi mortgage law is being considered by Saudi-Arabia's Consultative Council.

Islamic financing will play a promiment role in housing finance and it is expected that also the takaful industry will benefit from this move.

Full Text: http://www.ameinfo.com/151657.html

ABC Islamic Bank (the Initial Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner) launched general syndication for Kuwaits Munshaat Real Estate Projects Company ("Munshaat"). ABC Islamic Bank had successfully closed the senior phase of the US$100 million, 3-year Syndicated Revolving Murabaha Financing Facility.
 
Prior to general syndication BNP Paribas, Emirates Bank International PJSC, and Saudi British Bank joined the facility as Mandated Lead Arrangers at the senior stage.
 
This is the debut syndication for Munshaat and the funds will be used to finance development of prime properties in the Holy Haram area in Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia. Athman Investment Company, Kuwait is acting as the financial advisor to Munshaat Real Estate Projects Company for this financing.
 
Summary of the facility is as follows:
 
Borrower: Munshaat Real Estate Projects Company K.S.C.
 
Amount: US$100 million
 
Facility Type: Revolving Murabaha Financing Facility Purpose: Financing of prime properties in Makkah & Madinah