UAE - Mubasher: The UAE has topped the MENA region in terms of the total value of issued bonds during the first half (H1) of 2021 to record $20.6 billion, according to a recent report by Refinitiv.

The report read that the UAE's performance in the region's capital markets in H1-21 is driven by the issuance of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company for Distribution (ADNOC Distribution) of shares and convertible bonds, worth $1.2 billion, in May.

In 2020, the country also led the MENA region in bond issuance and yields for realising around $40.6 billion yields, up 20% when compared to 2019.

Refinitiv's report also referred that the UAE and Saudi Arabia have accounted for about two-thirds of banking fees for bond issuances in the region last year.