UAE Launches Retail Sukuk For Citizens And Residents To Invest In Shariah-compliant Bonds

The initiative marks a major milestone in financial inclusion, making sovereign Islamic investment products accessible to individual investors for the first time.

The minimum investment starts from AED 4,000 ($1,089).

UAE Retail Sukuk

Aligned with the UAE leadership’s vision to empower communities, the programme also supports the “Year of Community”, which promotes solidarity, wellbeing and active social participation in building a sustainable future.

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, said: “The ‘Retail Sukuk’ initiative reflects the UAE’s vision and its leadership’s directives to empower the community and enhance participation in the national development journey through financial policies that prioritise human wellbeing.

“Launched within the framework of the ‘Year of Community’, the initiative opens new horizons for citizens and residents to contribute to shaping the future through secure, government-backed investment instruments.

“Through this initiative, the Ministry of Finance seeks to transform investment in government bonds into an accessible, comprehensive digital experience, enabling all segments of society to access high-quality financial instruments that were previously limited to institutional investors.

“This represents a strategic step towards advancing financial inclusion and promoting a culture of long-term savings, ensuring the sustainability of the UAE’s financial resources and supporting development goals across various sectors.”

Government investments

Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, said: “The ‘Retail Sukuk’ initiative represents a qualitative leap in the development of government investment instruments, enhancing individual participation in economic growth and providing a direct avenue to contribute to the national development journey.

“This initiative realises the Ministry of Finance’s vision of building an innovative financial environment that provides secure, sustainable investment solutions that benefit the entire community.

“The initiative aligns with the objectives of the ‘Year of Community’ by promoting responsible saving habits and increasing financial awareness across all segments of society.

“It also reflects the spirit of partnership between the public and private sectors in fostering the values of giving and active economic participation, contributing to building a balanced, sustainable economy that serves future aspirations.”

T-Sukuk for individuals

The Retail Sukuk programme aims to raise awareness of T-Sukuk investment opportunities and broaden participation in sovereign-backed Islamic financial instruments.

Previously available only to institutional investors, T-Sukuk are now open to individual investors across the UAE.

The Sukuk will be denominated in UAE Dirhams and linked to existing government-backed T-Sukuk already traded in the market, giving retail investors access to the same high-quality, sovereign assets traditionally reserved for larger investors.

Participating banks will offer subscriptions to investors, and the Ministry of Finance will announce the first institution on November 3, 2025.

Ministry of Finance

The Ministry of Finance said the rollout will follow the highest standards of transparency and quality.

The move supports the UAE’s strategy to encourage long-term savings, strengthen financial literacy, and expand the Islamic finance ecosystem.

By introducing a secure, government-backed savings instrument, Retail Sukuk offers a new avenue for portfolio diversification and sustainable wealth building among individuals.