The UAE Ministry of Finance has announced the launch of the country’s first Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk Program, introducing a Shariah-compliant investment instrument designed specifically for individual investors across the UAE.
Structured through an IPO-style subscription framework similar to those used by the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and Nasdaq Dubai, the initiative aims to expand public access to government-backed investment opportunities while encouraging wider participation in local capital markets.
Expanding Access to Government Investment Products
The Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk Program has been designed to promote financial inclusion, encourage long-term saving and investing, and broaden participation in the UAE’s financial ecosystem.
The initiative also aligns with the objectives of the UAE Year of Family 2026, which focuses on strengthening financial awareness and supporting long-term financial planning among individuals and families.
In addition, the program forms part of wider efforts to reinforce the UAE’s position as a global financial center offering innovative and diversified investment products.
Government-Backed Investment Starting From AED1,000
The program introduces a sovereign-backed investment product tailored specifically for retail investors, with a minimum subscription amount of just AED1,000.
Investors will have access to a transparent and regulated investment framework offering government-backed returns through Shariah-compliant sukuk instruments.
Following allocation and listing, investors will also be able to trade the sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai, providing additional liquidity and flexibility for portfolio management.
Full details of the inaugural issuance, including the expected profit rate, maturity period and subscription window, are expected to be announced within the coming days.
Supporting Financial Literacy and Long-Term Saving
Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs, described the launch as an important step in expanding public participation in government investment instruments.
According to Al Hussaini, the initiative reflects the Ministry of Finance’s strategy, developed in cooperation with the Central Bank of the UAE, to introduce innovative financial solutions that encourage saving, financial planning and long-term investment.
He added that the program will help individuals and families strengthen their financial capabilities while contributing to the country’s long-term economic development agenda.
The minister also emphasized the government’s commitment to developing local capital markets and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global financial hub for innovative investment products.
Major Financial Institutions Support The Launch
The program is being launched in partnership with several institutions across the UAE’s financial sector.
Emirates NBD has been appointed as the Lead Receiving Bank for the inaugural issuance.
Additional receiving banks include Emirates Islamic Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), Ajman Bank, and Mashreq Bank, allowing investors to subscribe through branch networks and digital banking channels.
Nasdaq Dubai will act as the central securities depository while also providing settlement and post-trade services for the sukuk.
Building Deeper Local Capital Markets
Once listed, the sukuk will become available for trading on the secondary market through Nasdaq Dubai, creating additional opportunities for retail investors to participate in sovereign financing instruments.
The Ministry of Finance said the program represents an important addition to the UAE’s investment ecosystem by creating a structured and accessible pathway for individuals to diversify their portfolios through government-backed securities.
The initiative also supports broader efforts to strengthen local capital markets and expand the range of investment products available to retail investors.
Why It Matters
The launch of the Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk Program marks a significant step in democratizing access to government investment products in the UAE. By lowering entry barriers and combining sovereign backing with Shariah-compliant structures, the initiative could encourage a wider culture of saving and investing while deepening participation in local capital markets.
