The UAE Ministry of Finance has launched the Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk Programme, marking the country’s first government-backed retail sukuk initiative for citizens and residents.
The Shariah-compliant investment product will be offered through an IPO-style subscription model similar to listings on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and Nasdaq Dubai. The initiative aims to expand access to government investment instruments, promote financial inclusion, and encourage long-term savings and investment among individuals and families across the UAE.
Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk program to expand financial inclusion
The Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk program is designed to allow individuals to invest in UAE Government-backed instruments, strengthening participation in local capital markets.
It supports the UAE’s broader goal of building a financially aware society and aligns with the Year of Family 2026 initiative, which focuses on enhancing financial literacy and long-term financial planning. The program also reinforces the UAE’s position as a leading global financial hub offering diversified and innovative investment products.
UAE MoF highlights strategic financial reforms
Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs, commented that the launch represents a strategic step toward expanding community participation in government investment instruments and strengthening financial inclusion. He said that the initiative reflects cooperation between the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of the UAE to create innovative financial solutions that encourage saving, financial planning, and long-term investment.
Al Hussaini noted that the Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk program empowers individuals and families to contribute to the UAE’s economic development while improving public awareness of sustainable financial planning. He further stated that the Ministry remains committed to advancing capital markets and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global financial center offering innovative and diversified investment solutions.
Investment details and trading framework
The Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk Program is designed for individual investors across the UAE, with a minimum subscription amount of $272.29 (AED 1,000).
The government-backed sukuk will offer potential risk-free returns under a transparent regulatory framework. After listing, the sukuk will be tradable on Nasdaq Dubai, enhancing liquidity and investor flexibility. Full details of the first issuance, including profit rate, tenor, and subscription timeline, will be announced in the coming week.
Bank and exchange partnerships
The Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk program is being implemented in collaboration with key financial institutions, including the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), Nasdaq Dubai, and participating banks. Emirates NBD Bank has been appointed as the lead receiving bank. Other participating receiving banks include Emirates Islamic Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), Ajman Bank, and Mashreq Bank.
Investors will be able to subscribe through partner digital platforms and dedicated channels, while Nasdaq Dubai will serve as the central securities depository and settlement platform.
Listing to improve liquidity and market access
Once issued, the sukuk are expected to be listed on Nasdaq Dubai, enabling secondary market trading for individual investors. This will allow greater participation in local capital markets and provide flexibility for investors to manage their holdings after allocation.
The Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk program adds a new layer to the UAE’s government investment ecosystem by offering a sovereign-backed retail investment product for individuals. It is expected to support portfolio diversification, deepen capital markets, and enhance access to secure investment instruments.
The initiative builds on ongoing government efforts to develop local capital markets, expand financial inclusion, and integrate government funding instruments with the broader financial system.
