Historic debut of UAE retail T-Sukuk opens subscription with Dh50 million issuance
Digital subscription channels open for citizens and residents nationwide
ABU DHABI – The Ministry of Finance UAE has announced the opening of the subscription period for the inaugural Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk Programme, marking the first initiative of its kind in the country.
The programme has been launched in close collaboration with the Central Bank of the UAE, reflecting a coordinated approach to expanding sovereign investment access for individuals. It introduces a government-backed, Shariah-compliant investment instrument aimed at both citizens and residents.
The initiative is designed to strengthen participation in the UAE’s financial ecosystem through structured and transparent digital channels.
Subscription window
The issuance size has been set at Dh50 million, with the subscription period running from 24th June to 30th June 2026. Individual investors can participate through approved digital platforms, with a minimum subscription amount of Dh1,000.
The Ministry of Finance today announced the opening of the subscription period for the inaugural Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk Programme, which will run from 24 to 30 June 2026 through approved digital channels. pic.twitter.com/OrGVGPwwfz
— وزارة المالية | الإمارات (@MOFUAE) June 23, 2026
The offering is fully backed by the UAE Government and complies with the principles of Islamic Shariah, making it accessible to a broad investor base. The structured entry point is intended to encourage wider participation in sovereign investment products.
Profit terms
The inaugural T-Sukuk will carry a tenor of two years and offer a profit rate of 4.30% per annum. The rate has been determined in line with prevailing market conditions, ensuring competitiveness within the fixed-income space. Profit distributions will be made every six months, providing investors with periodic returns over the tenure. This structure positions the instrument as a stable, income-generating option for retail investors.
Digital access
Subscription will be enabled through multiple approved digital channels, including the Dubai Financial Market subscription platform, its mobile application, the iVestor app, and digital services provided by participating banks. Emirates NBD Bank has been appointed as the Lead Receiving Bank, alongside participating institutions such as Emirates Islamic Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Ajman Bank, and Mashreq Bank. These channels are intended to simplify access and ensure a seamless subscription experience for retail investors.
Market listing
Following the completion of the offering process, the sukuk are expected to be listed on Nasdaq Dubai and become available for trading from 2nd July 2026. Allocation is scheduled immediately after the close of the subscription period, with issuance taking place on 1st July 2026. Investors will receive their allocated sukuk in their accounts prior to listing, ensuring readiness for secondary market activity.
Investment framework
Individual investors are required to obtain an Investor Number (NIN), where applicable, and submit subscription applications through approved channels. The sukuk will be deposited into investors’ accounts before trading begins on Nasdaq Dubai, which also functions as the central securities depository and settlement platform. Market makers and liquidity providers will support ongoing trading activity, ensuring liquidity in the secondary market. Any excess subscription amounts will be refunded no later than 7th July 2026.
The programme enables diversification of investor portfolios through a government-backed, Shariah-compliant instrument within a structured framework that extends from subscription to secondary market trading. It is part of broader efforts by the Ministry of Finance UAE to expand access to sovereign investment opportunities and promote long-term savings culture among residents.
Broader initiative
According to Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, the launch represents a pivotal milestone in strengthening the UAE’s sovereign investment ecosystem. He highlighted that fully digital subscription channels have been introduced to enhance transparency and efficiency for individual investors. The initiative reflects a commitment to providing a clear investor journey, from subscription through to trading or holding until maturity.
He further noted that collaboration between the Ministry of Finance, Dubai Financial Market, Nasdaq Dubai, and designated receiving banks forms an effective institutional model supporting sovereign issuance. This framework is designed to ensure a secure, structured, and accessible investment experience for retail participants.
The Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk Programme differs from the Fractional T-Sukuk and Bonds Initiative launched in November 2025. While the new programme offers direct access to newly issued sovereign sukuk at par value with a minimum investment of Dh1,000, the earlier initiative allows fractional ownership of existing sukuk and bonds at market prices, with a minimum entry point of Dh4,000.