Our History
The Arab Energy Fund commenced operations in 1975, established by 10 Arab oil-exporting countries through an international agreement ratified by the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) member states. Our founding mandate was clear: to participate in financing petroleum projects and industries, with a priority given to Arab joint ventures that benefit member states.
Our Journey Through Time
Over five decades, we have evolved from a regional petroleum financier to a comprehensive energy impact fund. Today, we operate across 35+ countries with $10.92 billion in total assets, maintaining our commitment to supporting both traditional energy security and the transition to sustainable solutions.
- Commenced operations in KSA (’75)
- First Loan (’76) & first equity investment (’78)
- Acquired 10% equity stake in Ibn Zahr (KSA) (’84)
- Establishment of Treasury (’86) and Trade Finance (’87)
- Assets reached $1B (’86)
- Launched Islamic Financing (’93)
- Launched Financial Advisory Services (’01)
- Assets topped $2B (’03)
- Opened Bahrain Branch (’06)
- Assets reach $4B (’09)
- 1st credit rating of “A+” by Moody’s (’11) & upgraded to “Aa3” (’12)
- Total Assets reach $5B (’12)
- Moody’s credit rating upgraded to Aa2 (’19)
- “AA” credit rating by Fitch (’20) and upgraded to AA+ (’24)
- “AA-” credit rating by S&P Global (’22)
- Multiple equity investments, including investments in Oil Field Services and the first investments in renewable energy
- Development of medium-term funding programs with multiple significantly oversubscribed issuances, including Sukuk, Bonds, Term Loans and 1st Green Bonds
- Significant asset growth – assets reach $10.92B
- Lending book reached $5.8B
- The Arab Energy Fund 50th Anniversary Event in Riyadh
- Recognition as In-House Team of the Year (Finance) at the Legal Community MENA Awards 2025