Ministry of Finance Unveils UAE’s First Retail Sovereign Sukuk Offering

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.

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 access to government-backed investment opportunities and encourage broader participation in the UAE’s financial markets.

The program is designed to promote financial inclusion, support long-term saving and investing, and align with the UAE’s Year of Family 2026 initiative, which focuses on building a more financially aware and future-ready society. It also forms part of the UAE’s efforts to strengthen its position as a global financial center offering innovative and diversified investment products.

Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, said the launch of the Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk Program represents a strategic step in advancing the UAE’s financial ecosystem and expanding public participation in government investment instruments.

He noted that the initiative reflects the Ministry of Finance’s approach, in collaboration with the Central Bank of the UAE, to developing innovative financial solutions that encourage saving, financial planning, and long-term investment while enabling individuals and families to contribute to the country’s economic development.

Al Hussaini added that the program supports broader national objectives related to financial literacy and long-term financial planning, while helping individuals build more sustainable financial capabilities and strengthening participation in the UAE’s development agenda.

He also emphasized the ministry’s commitment to developing local capital markets and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global financial hub offering innovative investment opportunities within a competitive and future-focused financial ecosystem.

Tailored specifically for individual investors across the UAE, the program introduces a government-backed investment product with a minimum subscription amount of AED1,000. It offers investors potential risk-free returns through a transparent and regulated investment framework, while allowing sukuk to be traded on Nasdaq Dubai following their listing, providing greater accessibility and liquidity. Full details of the first issuance, including the profit rate, tenor, and subscription period, are expected to be announced within the coming week.

The program is being launched in collaboration with several partners, including Dubai Financial Market, Nasdaq Dubai, and a group of participating banks. Emirates NBD has been appointed as the Lead Receiving Bank, while Emirates Islamic Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), Ajman Bank, and Mashreq Bank will serve as Receiving Banks, enabling investors to subscribe through dedicated channels and digital banking platforms. Nasdaq Dubai will also act as the central securities depository and provide settlement services.

Following completion of the offering process, the sukuk are expected to be listed on Nasdaq Dubai and made available for secondary market trading. This is intended to support greater participation by retail investors in local capital markets and provide increased flexibility in managing investments after allocation.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the program represents a significant addition to the UAE’s government investment product ecosystem by creating a structured pathway for individuals to diversify their portfolios through a sovereign-backed investment instrument within a transparent financial environment.

The initiative also reinforces the role of capital markets in delivering innovative and diversified investment solutions tailored to individual investors.

The launch builds on the Ministry of Finance’s ongoing efforts to develop local capital markets and government financing instruments while broadening access to investment opportunities across a wider segment of society. It is expected to strengthen public participation in the UAE’s financial ecosystem, encourage long-term saving and investment, and further integrate government investment instruments with local capital markets.