IslamicFinance.de

Dubai World can repay its 2015 maturity in full, while 2016 looks to be more challenging with approximately $6bn in restructured debt coming due, according to Jean-Michel Saliba, Mena Economist at Bank of America-Merrill Lynch. In the near-term, Dubai should be able to tackle refinancing challenges, but the possible increase in government external borrowing needs is set to take place against a more challenging backdrop, Saliba said. Direct impact of low oil prices will be more muted in UAE than in other GCC countries - thanks to Dubai's diversified economy, he added.

Dubai World has prepaid $284.5 million (Dh1 billion) to creditors under its $25 billion debt restructuring plan. The conglomerate reportedly obtained money for the prepayment from asset sales. Under the terms of the restructuring deal, cash raised from asset sales above a threshold of $300 million is to be distributed as early repayments to creditors, which include big Western and Gulf banks. Last December, a unit of Dubai World sold its 50 percent stake in Miami Beach's landmark Fontainebleau hotel. The price was not disclosed, but Dubai World originally had paid $375 million for the stake in 2008. Moreover, Nakheel said last month it was repaying Dh2.35 billion ($640 million) of bank debt 18 months ahead of its maturity in September 2015.

Dubai World has sold one of its UK assets as part of its efforts to repay creditors. A unit of Toronto-based investment company Brookfield Asset Management has bought logistics warehouse developer Gazeley from Dubai World subsidiary Economic Zones World (EZW). However, they did not disclose the value of the transaction. Proceeds from the sale of Gazeley are expected to go towards the repayment of a $1.2 billion loan secured by associate firm JAFZA in June last year. EZW had pledged up to US$300 million for JAFZA from the proceeds raised by the Gazeley sale, and should the sale be completed, funds will be used to part-repay the bank facility. The sale is the first major divestments of a foreign asset by Dubai World since it agreed on a debt deal with creditors in 2011. The restructuring agreement promised full repayment to creditors through a series of disposals of overseas assets.

After the request of Dubai World of six-month delay on payments on US$26 billion in debt in 2009, default became an extremely dirty word. Consequently, when this year Dana Gas failed to repay US$920 million on its sukuk, the local press was hesitant whether or not to call this a default. During the global economic and financial crisis, the UAE and Dubai in particular were shook by the credit rating agencies, investors and the international press. Fortunately, multibillion-dollar bailout from Abu Dhabi averted the worst. Until recently, companies, which faced inability to repay their debt, looked for restructuring before deadline. Dana Gas made an exception, however, they managed to come up with a restructuring deal very quickly, thus demonstrating development in terms of maturity of the Islamic finance market.

Banks and companies in the Arabian Gulf may issue the most Islamic debt in three years in the fourth quarter as economic growth accelerates and Dubai’s companies reach agreements to restructure debt. The combination of declining yields in emerging markets and a successful restructuring of state-owned Dubai World’s debt may spur more sales, according to Exotix and Royal Capital PJSC.

Dubai World which is in talks to restructure some $22 billion debt, is unlikely to pay off developer Nakheel's $980 million Islamic bond, a source familiar with the matter said on Monday, and all options are open.

Dubai World faces another test when it meets creditors next week to begin discussions on its other debts, totalling US$22 billion (Dh80.8billion).

Dubai World is expected to soon make a formal standstill request to creditors for $22billion in debt while it devises a restructuring plan. Dubai sent shockwaves through global markets on November 25 when it said it would request a standstill on billions of dollars in debt linked to Dubai World and its property units Limitless World and Nakheel, developer of palm-shaped islands. Following are some answers to frequently asked questions about the upcoming standstill agreement:

The Government of Dubai announced that, with the backing of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (AA/Stable/A-1+), it would be providing US$10 billion in financing to Dubai World and its subsidiaries, through its financial support fund.

King & Spalding published a briefing on the recent request by Dubai World that all its creditors agree to a standstill on any amounts payable to them until at least 30 May 2010 and the new law issued by the Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, setting out what will occur in the event that Dubai World or any of its subsidiaries are in an insolvency situation.

The briefing is authored by Michael Rainey and Sara Carmody of King & Spalding London and Dubai offices.

Dubai's index DFM faltered for the second session in three, with investors showing little enthusiasm for risking more money in a highly volatile market until fresh news on Dubai World's restructuring emerges.