UAE Launches New Five‑Year Retail T‑Sukuk

The UAE Ministry of Finance has opened a second retail T‑Sukuk offering, allowing residents to purchase a five‑year sovereign bond for as little as Dh1,000. The Shariah‑compliant instrument is fully backed by the government and will be listed on Nasdaq Dubai after allocation. The profit rate will b…

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 17 Sep 2026 10:00:45 GMT

The UAE Ministry of Finance has announced the launch of a new five‑year retail T‑Sukuk, giving residents and nationals the opportunity to invest in a sovereign bond with a minimum commitment of just Dh1,000. The Shariah‑compliant instrument is fully backed by the UAE government and will be available for subscription through a range of digital platforms, including the Dubai Financial Market’s eIPO portal, the iVestor app, and the DFM app, as well as the online channels of participating banks. Once allocation and settlement are completed, the sukuk will be listed on Nasdaq Dubai and become available for secondary market trading.

What Is a Retail T‑Sukuk?

A T‑Sukuk is a type of Islamic bond that follows Shariah principles, meaning it does not pay interest but instead distributes profit to investors. The retail version is tailored for individual investors, allowing them to purchase a portion of a sovereign bond without the large upfront costs that typically accompany institutional debt issuances. The UAE’s Sovereign Retail T‑Sukuk Programme is designed to broaden access to government debt and encourage long‑term savings among the country’s residents.

Key Details of the New Issuance

Tenor: Five years
Minimum investment: Dh1,000
Profit rate announcement: September 22
Subscription platforms: DFM eIPO, iVestor app, DFM app, and digital channels of participating banks
Listing venue: Nasdaq Dubai

Emirates NBD will act as the lead receiving bank for the new offering, while Emirates Islamic, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Ajman Bank, Mashreq, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, and First Abu Dhabi Bank will also participate as receiving banks. This network of banks ensures that investors can subscribe through familiar digital interfaces, making the process seamless and accessible.

Why the UAE Is Expanding Retail Sukuk Offerings

The first retail T‑Sukuk, launched earlier this year, attracted Dh445 million in subscription orders against an initial target of Dh50 million. The strong demand prompted the Ministry of Finance to increase the inaugural issuance to Dh100 million. The new five‑year sukuk continues this trend by maintaining the Dh1,000 minimum, thereby opening the door for smaller investors who would otherwise be excluded from sovereign debt markets.

Minister of State for Financial Affairs Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini emphasized that the programme is “beyond being a government financial instrument.” He described it as a pillar for long‑term financial planning, supporting a culture of saving and secure investment in line with the Year of Family 2026 objectives. The initiative aims to build a more sustainable financial future for individuals and families across the UAE.

What the First Issuance Taught Us

The inaugural two‑year T‑Sukuk offered an annual profit rate of 4.30%, with returns distributed every six months. Analysis of the subscription data revealed that 76% of orders were for Dh10,000 or less, and 72% of investors were UAE nationals. Notably, investors under 25 years old and women together represented 45% of the subscriber base. These figures demonstrate a strong appetite for Shariah‑compliant sovereign instruments among a diverse demographic.

Al Hussaini noted that the exceptional demand for the first offering “demonstrated strong confidence in the UAE’s sovereign instruments.” He pledged that the Ministry would continue to work closely with financial partners, receiving banks, and market participants to provide a seamless and transparent digital investment experience, thereby strengthening the national financial ecosystem.

How to Subscribe and What Happens Next

Investors can place orders through any of the participating banks’ digital platforms, the DFM eIPO portal, the iVestor app, or the DFM app. Once the subscription period closes, the Ministry will allocate the sukuk, and settlement will be carried out via the banks’ systems. After settlement, the sukuk will be listed on Nasdaq Dubai, where it will become tradable on the secondary market.

The profit rate for the new five‑year sukuk will be announced on September 22. Until then, investors can prepare by ensuring they have the necessary account access and funds available to complete their subscription.

Why This Matters for UAE Residents

By lowering the entry threshold to Dh1,000, the UAE is democratizing access to sovereign debt, traditionally reserved for institutional investors. This move encourages a broader base of residents to participate in the country’s fiscal health, promotes financial literacy, and supports the national goal of fostering a culture of long‑term savings.

What’s Next?

After the profit rate announcement, investors will be able to compare the new offering’s terms with other available investment products. The Ministry has indicated that it will continue to issue retail sukuk with varying tenors and structures, further expanding the range of options for individual investors. The ongoing development of digital subscription channels and the integration with Nasdaq Dubai’s trading platform signal a continued push toward a more inclusive and efficient capital market in the UAE.

Key facts

UAE launches a five‑year retail T‑Sukuk with a Dh1,000 minimum
Profit rate to be announced on September 22
Subscription via DFM eIPO, iVestor app, and participating banks
First issuance saw strong demand from small investors, especially women and young people
The programme supports the Year of Family 2026 financial goals
Sukuk will be listed on Nasdaq Dubai after settlement

Why it matters

By opening sovereign debt to individual investors with a low entry point, the UAE is broadening financial participation and encouraging long‑term savings among its residents.

Frequently asked questions

What is a T‑Sukuk?

A T‑Sukuk is a Shariah‑compliant sovereign bond that distributes profit instead of interest, tailored for individual investors.

How do I subscribe?

Investors can subscribe through the Dubai Financial Market’s eIPO portal, the iVestor app, the DFM app, or the digital channels of participating banks.