Burjeel Holdings has launched a $1.5 billion senior sukuk programme.
The announcement came on June 23, the GCC‑based healthcare group said, after receiving its first corporate credit ratings from S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s. Burjeel Holdings, a leading super‑specialty healthcare services provider in the GCC and listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, highlighted the importance of transparent capital market access.
Ratings underscore Burjeel's market strength
S&P Global Ratings assigned Burjeel Holdings a ‘BB+’ issuer rating with a Stable outlook, while Moody’s gave a Ba2 corporate family rating, also with a Stable outlook. The dual ratings mark the first time the group has been evaluated by the two agencies and signal confidence in its financial profile. Both agencies cited the group's disciplined financial policy and strong corporate governance as key drivers of the rating.
Receiving first-time ratings from two of the world’s leading credit rating agencies is an important milestone for Burjeel Holdings and reflects the strength of our platform, our disciplined financial policy, strong corporate governance and the resilience of our operating model.
— Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman and CEO
The agencies highlighted Burjeel’s strong market position in Abu Dhabi, its expanding footprint across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman, and solid profitability from the Burjeel Hospital brand. They also noted the growing contribution of the complex‑care and super‑specialty division, robust credit metrics and an improving liquidity profile. These strengths are bolstered by the region’s favourable long‑term healthcare fundamentals, such as demographic growth and mandatory health insurance, which drive demand for specialised care.
Sukuk programme expands financing options
The sukuk programme is routed through Burjeel Sukuk Limited, a special‑purpose vehicle that is admitted to the London Stock Exchange’s International Securities Market. The structure offers a shariah‑compliant platform for the group to tap debt capital markets, diversifying funding sources and strengthening its long‑term capital structure. Its shariah compliance aligns with Islamic finance principles, providing investors with a trusted avenue for ethical financing.
According to the company, the vehicle will support strategic investments in advanced clinical care, research, medical education, digital transformation and AI‑enabled healthcare innovation. Dr Vayalil said the programme enhances financial flexibility and backs the group’s strategy to diversify funding while maintaining discipline, creating long‑term value and aligning with the UAE’s ambition to become a global centre for healthcare excellence. The emphasis on digital transformation and AI reflects the group's commitment to modernising patient care and staying at the forefront of medical technology.
Frequently asked questions
What rating did Burjeel Holdings receive for its senior sukuk programme?
Burjeel Holdings was assigned a BB+ issuer rating by S&P Global Ratings and a Ba2 corporate family rating by Moody’s, both with a Stable outlook.
How much is the senior sukuk programme launched by Burjeel Holdings?
The programme totals $1.5 billion, providing a shariah‑compliant financing vehicle listed on the London Stock Exchange’s International Securities Market.
When did Burjeel Holdings announce its senior sukuk programme?
Burjeel Holdings announced the launch on 23 June, after receiving its first corporate credit ratings from S&P and Moody’s.
Where is the sukuk vehicle of Burjeel Holdings listed?
The sukuk vehicle, Burjeel Sukuk Limited, is admitted to the London Stock Exchange’s International Securities Market.
Why did Burjeel Holdings create a sukuk programme?
The programme diversifies funding sources, strengthens the long‑term capital structure, and aligns with Islamic finance principles to support growth across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman.
