UAE Launches First Retail T-Sukuk Programme

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Finance launched its first Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk programme on 17 June 2026. The instrument is a government-backed, Shariah-compliant investment product for UAE nationals and residents.

Retail T-Sukuk Structure

T-Sukuk are Islamic financial certificates that represent ownership in an underlying asset, project, or investment activity. The UAE Retail T-Sukuk is issued by the Government of the UAE through the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Central Bank of the UAE. The instrument is denominated in UAE dirhams and carries a maturity period of two years.

Subscription and Eligibility

The first issuance opens for subscription at 8 am on 24 June 2026 and closes at 5 pm on 30 June 2026. Eligible investors must hold a valid Emirates ID and a valid Dubai Financial Market National Investor Number. Professional investors are excluded from this retail programme. The minimum investment amount is Dh1,000.

Distribution and Trading

Emirates NBD has been appointed as the Lead Receiving Bank for the programme. Emirates Islamic Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Ajman Bank, and Mashreq Bank are the additional receiving banks for subscriptions. After issuance, the Retail T-Sukuk will be listed and traded on Nasdaq Dubai. Fixed profit payments are scheduled twice a year.

Important Facts for Exams

• Sukuk are Shariah-compliant financial instruments used in Islamic finance.
• Retail T-Sukuk is designed for individual investors rather than institutional investors.
• Nasdaq Dubai is a financial exchange in the United Arab Emirates.
• The Dubai Financial Market National Investor Number is used for market participation in the UAE.

Policy Context

Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini is the Minister of State for Financial Affairs of the UAE. The programme is linked to government investment access, household saving, and domestic capital market development.