UAE Retail T-Sukuk Debut Boosts Issuance to AED 100 Million Amid AED 445 Million Demand
Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Finance has successfully launched and officially listed the UAE’s inaugural Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk Programme, with Minister of State for Financial Affairs, Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, ringing the opening bell at Nasdaq Dubai. This event marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s strategy to enhance participation in its financial markets and introduce innovative government-backed investment products aimed at fostering long-term savings and investments.
The initial offering attracted remarkable investor interest, with subscriptions reaching AED 445 million, nearly nine times the original target of AED 50 million. In light of this overwhelming demand, the Ministry decided to double the issuance size to AED 100 million.
The programme has drawn a diverse range of retail investors. Notably, 76% of subscribers invested amounts up to AED 10,000, while UAE nationals made up 72% of the total subscriber base. Additionally, young investors under 25 years of age and women collectively accounted for 45% of all subscribers, underscoring the programme’s role in promoting financial inclusion.
The bell-ringing ceremony, held at Nasdaq Dubai’s headquarters in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), was attended by senior financial officials, banking partners, and media representatives, marking the commencement of secondary market trading for this retail-focused sukuk programme.
Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini emphasized that the UAE is committed to advancing a resilient and inclusive economic model, supported by a sophisticated financial and legislative framework that aligns with international standards. He noted that the listing of the Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk Programme reflects the Ministry’s strategic vision to strengthen domestic capital markets and diversify sovereign funding sources, while also providing secure investment solutions that contribute to long-term financial stability. He added that the strong demand indicates an increasing financial awareness among investors and confidence in government-backed investment instruments.
Supporting Financial Inclusion
Following the ceremony, Younis Haji Al Khoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, led a media briefing where he described the listing as a crucial step in fostering a more sustainable economy and enabling individuals to engage in the UAE’s growth narrative. He stated that the Ministry has collaborated closely with the Central Bank of the UAE and various financial sector partners to design this programme as a bridge between sovereign financing objectives and the long-term savings goals of individual investors. Al Khoori also highlighted that this initiative aligns with the objectives of the Year of Family 2026 by enhancing household financial resilience and promoting sound financial planning.
Boost for Capital Markets
Hamed Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Nasdaq Dubai and Dubai Financial Market (DFM), remarked that the programme lowers barriers to entry for government-backed fixed-income investments, facilitating broader participation in an asset class that was previously inaccessible to many retail investors. The initiative was developed through collaboration among the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of the UAE, Nasdaq Dubai, Dubai Financial Market, and several banking partners, including Emirates NBD, Emirates Islamic Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Mashreq Bank, and Ajman Bank.
Key Features of the Inaugural Issuance
- Initially launched at AED 50 million, the issuance was increased to AED 100 million.
- Minimum investment threshold set at AED 1,000.
- Offers a 4.30% annual profit rate.
- Features a two-year tenor.
- Provides returns every six months.
- Fully Shariah-compliant.
- Available for secondary-market trading through authorized brokers.
Dedicated market makers and liquidity providers have been appointed to enhance trading efficiency and price discovery. The listing broadens access to government-backed investment opportunities through a transparent and regulated marketplace, supporting the ongoing development of the UAE’s capital markets and fostering a culture of long-term saving and investment.
Nasdaq Dubai currently hosts over USD 98.6 billion in outstanding sukuk listings and more than USD 141 billion in outstanding debt securities, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global hub for Islamic finance.
Source: www.emirates247.com
Read all the latest developments and breaking updates in the Latest News section.
Published on 2026-07-02 15:17:00 • By the Editorial Desk
