Category descriptions
Bonds, Loans and Sukuk
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Green bond deal of the year
This award recognises a green bond issued n the MiddleEast that exemplifies excellence in structure, impact, and market leadership. The winning bond should highlight any alignment with best practices and/or standards, demonstrate strong environmental ambition, clear use of proceeds, and contribute meaningfully to the development of sustainable debt markets through a robust structure, reporting and transparency.
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Green, social, sustainability or sustainability-linked loan of the year
This award recognises an outstanding green, social, sustainability or sustainability-linked loan issued during the eligibility period that has demonstrably advanced social impact goals. The winning bond should highlight any alignment with best practices and/or standards, demonstrate impact in addressing social challenges through targeted use of proceeds and measurable outcomes, and contribute meaningfully to the development of sustainable debt markets through a robust structure, reporting and transparency.
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Issuer impact report of the year
This award recognises a best-in-class impact report related to the issuer or issuance of green, social, sustainability, or sustainability-linked debt. The winning report will demonstrate leadership in transparency, credibility, and the effective communication of environmental and/or social outcomes to stakeholders, including investors and the broader public. Submissions will be judged on methodology and data quality, metrics used, clarity and presentation, transparency and verification, innovation and market influence.
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Social bond deal of the year
This award recognises a Middle East issuer that has launched the most outstanding and impactful social bond during the eligibility period. The winning bond should highlight any alignment with best practices and/or standards, demonstrate impact in addressing social challenges through targeted use of proceeds and measurable outcomes, and contribute meaningfully to the development of sustainable debt markets through a robust structure, reporting and transparency.
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Sustainable sukuk deal
This award recognises an outstanding sukuk issuance during the eligibility period that demonstrates excellence in structure, sustainability ambition, and market impact. The winning sukuk may be classified as green, social, sustainability, sustainability-linked, or transition, and must be structured in accordance with recognised Shariah principles while aligning with international sustainable finance best practices. The winning transaction should demonstrate robust governance, clear use of proceeds or credible performance-linked features, strong disclosure and reporting, and measurable environmental and/or social outcomes. It should also contribute meaningfully to the development of sustainable sukuk markets through innovation, transparency, scalability, or market leadership across Islamic and sustainable finance ecosystems.
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Sustainability bond deal of the year
This award recognises an issuer based in the Middle East that has launched a sustainability bond exemplifying best practices in structure and measurable environmental and social outcomes. The winning bond should highlight any alignment with best practices and/or standards, demonstrate strong environmental and social ambition, clear use of proceeds, and contribute meaningfully to the development of sustainable debt markets through a robust structure, reporting and transparency.
Companies and individuals
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Law firm of the year
This award recognises a law firm that has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact in advising on transactions and frameworks in the green, social, sustainability, and/or sustainability-linked debt markets. The winner will have made a significant contribution to advancing market integrity, accessibility, and development. Activities may include advising on bond or loan issuance, regulatory frameworks, sustainability-linked structures, disclosure, impact reporting, or taxonomy alignment.
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Lead manager of the year, green bonds
This award recognises an investment bank or financial institution that has demonstrated excellence in structuring, advising, and distributing green bonds in the Middle East region. The winner will clearly state its prominent role in leading on cited issuances and advising on frameworks/transactions. Submissions will be judged on transaction activity and market coverage, client support and value creation, innovation in structure or execution, market influence and development, including a commitment to market standards.
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Lead manager of the year, social bonds
This award recognises a lead manager or key arranger that has demonstrated excellence in structuring, advising, and distributing social bonds issued in the Middle East region. The winner will clearly state its prominent role in leading on cited issuances and advising on frameworks/transactions, enabling corporations to raise capital for impactful social outcomes, particularly in areas such as affordable housing, health, education, financial inclusion, or equitable economic recovery. Submissions will be judged on transaction activity and market coverage, client support and value creation, innovation in structure or execution, market influence and development, including a commitment to market standards.
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Lead manager of the year, sustainability bonds
This award recognises a lead manager or key arranger that has demonstrated excellence in structuring, advising, and distributing sustainability bonds that fund a mix of environmental and social objectives. The winner will clearly state its prominent role in leading on cited issuances and advising on frameworks/transactions. Submissions will be judged on transaction activity and market coverage, client support and value creation, innovation in structure or execution, market influence and development, including a commitment to market standards.
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Leading Service Provider of the year
This award recognises an organisation that has demonstrated excellence in delivering independent services that support the credibility and development of sustainable debt markets in the Middle East. It honours providers offering high-quality external assessments across a broad range of activities, including but not limited to sustainability ratings, certifications, verifications, impact assessments, alignment checks, assurance services, and other independent reviews. The winning organisation will have made a meaningful contribution to market transparency, integrity, and investor confidence through rigorous methodologies, technical expertise, innovation, and thought leadership. Eligible recipients include any organisation providing independent assessment, evaluation, or assurance services that enable the effective growth and credibility of sustainable debt instruments.
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Loan sustainability coordinator of the year
This award recognises a bank or advisory firm that has provided a prominent role as a sustainability coordinator in originating, structuring, and guiding sustainability-linked and/or use-of-proceeds loans, helping borrowers in the Middle East region embed meaningful sustainability objectives into loan agreements. The winner should clearly state its prominent role in leading and advising on cited frameworks/transactions. The winner will have demonstrated leadership in credibility, innovation, and market development. Submissions will be judged on transaction activity and market coverage, client support and value creation, innovation in structure or execution, market influence and development, and a commitment to market standards.
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Market initiative of the year
This award recognises a standout initiative that has advanced the development, credibility, or accessibility of the sustainable debt market in the Middle East. This category has been designed to capture an initiative that is not a product but may include policy frameworks, capacity-building programmes, collaborative efforts, or other activities and tools that support green bond issuance, investment, or standard-setting. Initiatives may be led by public or private sector entities, non-profits, multilateral institutions, or multi-stakeholder coalitions.
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Personality of the year
This prestigious individual award recognises a leader, pioneer, or changemaker who has made an exceptional and lasting contribution to the sustainable debt market. The honouree will have demonstrated personal vision, influence, and impact in advancing green, social, sustainability, or sustainability-linked finance over the past year or more. The nominee will have played a leading role in shaping market developments, innovating instruments, promoting best practices, or mobilising capital toward sustainability objectives. Contributions may span multiple years but should include notable achievements during the eligibility period.
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Sustainable lender of the year
This award recognises a bank, financial institution or other lender that has demonstrated outstanding leadership in delivering sustainable debt financing, including green, social, sustainability, and sustainability-linked loans. The winning institution will have shown leadership in scale, credibility, innovation, and market development, contributing meaningfully to the growth and integrity of the sustainable loan market through its lending activities. The winning lender will be judged on its capital mobilisation strategy, transaction activity and market reach, client engagement and value creation, influence on market practices and standards, and a demonstrable commitment to advancing best practice in sustainable debt financing.