MILAN (ITALPRESS) – Intesa Sanpaolo, through its IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division led by Mauro Micillo, consolidates its role as a key financial partner in the Middle East. Since 2023, the Division has participated – alongside other banks – in transactions totalling over €60 billion, specifically: Financing deals as Mandated Lead Arranger for over €30 billion; Bond issuance as Bookrunner for a total of €30 billion. These activities are further complemented by advisory and interest rate hedging operations.
The recent strategic partnership with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism for the development of the Green Innovation District, together with its role as a catalyst in the region’s energy and infrastructure projects, further reinforces Intesa Sanpaolo’s position as a bridge between Italy, Europe, and the Gulf.
Mauro Micillo, Head of Intesa Sanpaolo’s IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division, stated: “The United Arab Emirates, and the Middle East more broadly, are a strategic pillar in our international growth strategy. The IMI CIB Division is committed to supporting the region’s energy and industrial transformation by mobilising capital and expertise to accelerate the development of innovative and sustainable projects. Our international network, combined with the ability to structure complex transactions, allows us to be a long-term partner for Gulf institutions, sovereign funds and major corporates.”
Intesa Sanpaolo has signed multiple agreements in the region, in line with the UAE’s
“Vision 2031” plan. The Bank is a key partner to Emirati institutions in shaping sustainability and innovation projects: In October 2025, Intesa Sanpaolo was announced as a strategic partner to the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism for the development of the Green Innovation District at Expo City Dubai. The project aims to become a major driver of sustainable industrial growth, attracting global businesses to the region and contributing significantly to ambitious climate and economic diversification goals.
Also this year, the IMI CIB Division signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Masdar, a leading player in the UAE’s global renewable energy strategy, to strengthen cooperation in M&A activity. Since 2020, Intesa Sanpaolo has been selected by the UAE as a partner in
advancing the circular economy, through the signing of a Strategic Framework Agreement with the UAE Ministry of Economy. The agreement focuses on defining circular policies, promoting sustainable business models, and developing a collaborative ecosystem involving institutions, universities, research centres, businesses and start-ups.
Participation in financing and bond deals exceeding €60 billion Over the past three years, the IMI CIB Division has played a leading role in strategic transactions, together with other banks and alongside sovereign funds, institutions, and major corporates in the energy and infrastructure sectors. It has acted as Mandated Lead Arranger in financing deals totalling over €30 billion, and as Bookrunner in bond issuances for a total of €30 billion. These were complemented by advisory and interest rate hedging operations. The most recent transactions include:
Green Sukuk for Saudi Electricity Company worth €2.4 billion in two tranches
(5 and 10 years) – 2025
Dual-tranche bond placement for Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company
(ADQ) – €870 million per tranche, 5- and 10-year maturities – 2025
Hybrid subordinated issuance by Aldar Properties – approx. €870 million – 2025
Green bond by Masdar, in two €430 million tranches with 5- and 10-year
maturities – 2025
Euro benchmark bond issued by the Government of Sharjah (one of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates) – €500 million, 7-year maturity – 2025
€150 million loan to Estithmar Holding under the SACE Push Strategy – the first transaction of this kind in Qatar – 2025
Support to Masdar, together with a pool of banks, in two acquisitions totalling €817 million and €184 million, for a 49.99% stake from Endesa, related to 52 solar plants in Spain – 2024–2025
Sole financial advisor to Masdar for the acquisition of a 49% stake in a 476 MW offshore wind project from Iberdrola – deal valued at €1.6 billion – 2023
An international network supporting global growth Intesa Sanpaolo has a longstanding presence in the United Arab Emirates, operating there since 1977. It is the only Italian bank with a direct presence, via two branches in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This dual onshore/offshore structure enables the IMI CIB Division to operate seamlessly both locally and globally, further strengthening its role as a bridge between Italy, Europe and the Gulf.
The Group has built long-standing relationships with the UAE’s major sovereign funds, government institutions, and large corporates in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
Within IMI CIB Division’s International Network, the UK & MEA Region, which includes offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Istanbul, and London, manages relationships with over 600 corporate and institutional clients across the UK and the Middle East. It employs 310 professionals and maintains ties with around 400 local subsidiaries of major Italian and global groups.
Thanks to its established presence, advanced technical expertise, and integrated international network, Intesa Sanpaolo, led by CEO Carlo Messina, confirms its position as a strategic partner to institutions, sovereign funds, and companies across the Middle East, contributing to the development of infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects in support of the region’s sustainable growth.
-Photo press office Intesa Sanpaolo-
(ITALPRESS).
