Ittihad International Investment achieved a significant milestone in 2025 with credit rating upgrades from both S&P and Fitch. This achievement was followed by a global US-dollar Sukuk issuance, signaling the conglomerate’s rising influence in capital markets. Tamim Al Shikh Khalil, the Group Senior Treasury Manager, is the strategist behind this financial momentum.
Al Shikh Khalil possesses nearly two decades of experience within the UAE’s banking and corporate finance sectors. His leadership focuses on building liquidity strategies and long-term financial resilience for the group. He represents a new generation of treasury leaders who blend technical precision with global market foresight.
A Career Built on Institutional Expertise
Al Shikh Khalil’s professional foundation was established in Damascus, where he studied Economics at Damascus University. He moved to the UAE and spent over twelve years within the Abu Dhabi banking system, gaining a deep understanding of credit and risk. His roles included serving as Assistant Vice President at Mashreq Bank and leading corporate portfolios at Finance House.
By the time he transitioned to the corporate sector in 2020, he possessed a unique understanding of how financial institutions evaluate risk. This perspective proved critical for navigating complex transactions at Ittihad. He successfully closed major deals and strengthened client relationships throughout his banking tenure.
Engineering Major Capital Market Successes
Under Al Shikh Khalil’s leadership, Ittihad secured a rating upgrade from B+ to BB- in 2025. This upgrade reflects the group’s strengthened financial profile and transparent reporting standards. He played a pivotal role in preparing the group for these rigorous assessments.
Following the upgrade, he coordinated a global US-dollar Sukuk targeting a five-year term. This issuance involved collaboration with global coordinators such as J.P. Morgan, HSBC, and Bank of America. He also managed a cash tender offer for an existing $450 million Sukuk to optimize the group’s debt profile.
Modernizing Treasury Through Digital Innovation
Al Shikh Khalil has spearheaded several key digital initiatives to modernize Ittihad’s treasury operations. He oversaw the integration of SAP for robust enterprise resource planning across all subsidiaries. This move increased transparency and reduced manual processing times.
He also implemented Host-to-Host banking connectivity and API-driven systems for real-time financial data. These upgrades allow for more accurate decision-making and secure, seamless transactions. These efforts have placed Ittihad’s financial operations on par with advanced global corporations.
A Global Leader in Corporate Finance
Beyond internal strategy, Al Shikh Khalil is an active contributor to the global financial dialogue. In December 2025, he served as a featured speaker at the Global Banking & Markets Corporate Treasury Webinar. He shared insights on funding strategies for 2026 and building strong bank-corporate relationships.
Strategy Rooted in Persistence
The success of Ittihad International Investment is a reflection of Al Shikh Khalil’s disciplined approach to finance. He believes that understanding how money moves allows leaders to shape growth opportunities effectively. His career serves as a case study in how strategic determination leads to measurable institutional gains.
As Ittihad continues to expand its presence in international markets, Al Shikh Khalil’s expertise remains a guiding force. He continues to focus on structural discipline and strategic clarity to ensure the group’s long-term strength. His journey demonstrates that operational excellence is achieved through rigor and foresight.
