The UAE has launched its first Retail Government Treasury Sukuk Program, providing individual investors with access to Sharia-compliant, government-backed investment opportunities. The initiative aims to promote financial inclusion, encourage saving, and support long-term investment among UAE citizens and residents. By expanding retail participation in the capital markets and strengthening financial awareness, the initiative supports the UAE's broader economic objectives and reinforces its position as a leading global financial and investment hub.
The UAE has launched its first Retail Government Treasury Sukuk Program, providing individual investors with access to Sharia-compliant, government-backed investment opportunities. The initiative aims to promote financial inclusion, encourage saving, and support long-term investment among UAE citizens and residents. By expanding retail participation in the capital markets and strengthening financial awareness, the initiative supports the UAE's broader economic objectives and reinforces its position as a leading global financial and investment hub.
A Historic Step to Enhance Financial Inclusion
The UAE Ministry of Finance has announced the launch of the country's first government Treasury Sukuk program designed specifically for individual investors and fully compliant with Islamic Sharia principles. This landmark initiative aims to broaden the investor base and enable both UAE citizens and residents to access government-backed investment instruments.
The program follows a subscription mechanism similar to initial public offerings (IPOs) on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and Nasdaq Dubai, giving retail investors direct access to highly reliable and transparent government investment products.
Supporting Savings and Long-Term Investment
The launch forms part of the UAE's broader efforts to strengthen financial inclusion and promote a culture of saving and sustainable investing across society. It also aligns with the objectives of the Year of the Family 2026, which focuses on building a more financially aware society capable of planning for the future.
The initiative also reflects the UAE's commitment to developing innovative financial instruments that meet the needs of different investor segments while reinforcing the country's position as a global financial hub offering diverse and secure investment opportunities.
A Government-Backed Investment Instrument
Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, stated that the program marks a significant milestone in the UAE's strategy to develop its national financial ecosystem. He noted that it aims to expand public participation in government investment products and strengthen individuals' contribution to supporting the national economy.
He added that the initiative is the result of close collaboration between the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of the UAE to provide financial solutions that encourage saving, financial planning, and long-term investment, while helping families and individuals build a more stable and sustainable financial future.
Investment Starts from AED 1,000
The program offers an accessible investment opportunity for a broad segment of society, with a minimum investment amount of AED 1,000.
The Sukuk will provide investors with the potential to earn returns through a structured, government-backed investment framework. Once listed on Nasdaq Dubai, the Sukuk will also be tradable, offering investors additional flexibility.
Further details of the first issuance—including the expected profit rate, maturity period, and investment period—are expected to be announced in the coming days, providing investors with greater clarity before making their investment decisions.
Partnership with Leading Financial Institutions
The program is being implemented in partnership with several leading financial institutions. Emirates NBD has been appointed as the lead receiving bank for subscription applications, alongside Emirates Islamic, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), Ajman Bank, and Mashreq Bank as participating banks.
Investors will be able to subscribe conveniently through the digital platforms and dedicated channels provided by these institutions, while Nasdaq Dubai will serve as the central securities depository and settlement provider.
A Valuable Addition to the UAE Capital Markets
The Retail Government Treasury Sukuk Program represents a significant addition to the UAE's investment landscape. It enables investors to diversify their portfolios through a trusted, government-backed financial instrument while deepening the role of the country's capital markets.
The initiative is also expected to increase retail participation in the national financial system, support sustainable economic growth, and further strengthen the culture of long-term investing across the UAE.
