UAE Launches First Retail Government Treasury Sukuk Programme with AED 1,000 Minimum Subscription

Abu Dhabi | EcoPulse24

The UAE Ministry of Finance has launched the country's first Government Treasury Sukuk programme for individual investors, introducing a Sharia-compliant, government-backed investment product designed to broaden public participation in sovereign investment instruments and strengthen long-term savings and investment culture.

The programme allows individuals and families across the UAE to subscribe to Treasury Sukuk with a minimum investment of AED 1,000, following a subscription mechanism similar to initial public offerings (IPOs) on Dubai Financial Market and Nasdaq Dubai.

Expanding Access to Government Investments

The new programme aims to enhance financial inclusion by giving retail investors direct access to secure government-backed investment opportunities within a transparent and regulated framework.

Following their issuance, the sukuk will be listed and tradable on Nasdaq Dubai, providing investors with greater liquidity and flexibility in managing their investments.

The Ministry of Finance is expected to announce full details of the inaugural issuance next week, including the profit rate, tenor and subscription period.

Strengthening Financial Literacy and Long-Term Savings

Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, described the initiative as a strategic step in developing the UAE's financial ecosystem and expanding community participation in government investment instruments.

He said the programme, developed in cooperation with the Central Bank of the UAE, reflects the country's commitment to promoting a financial culture built around saving, financial planning and long-term investment, while enabling individuals and families to contribute to the nation's economic development journey.

The initiative also aligns with the UAE's Year of the Family 2026, which seeks to build a more financially aware and future-ready society.

Broad Financial Sector Partnership

The programme is being launched in cooperation with several strategic partners, including Dubai Financial Market, Nasdaq Dubai and participating receiving banks.

Emirates NBD has been appointed as the lead receiving bank, while Emirates Islamic, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Ajman Bank and Mashreq have been appointed as receiving banks.

Investors will be able to subscribe seamlessly through the partners' digital platforms and designated subscription channels. Nasdaq Dubai will also serve as the central securities depository and settlement platform.

Supporting Capital Market Development

The listing of the sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai is expected to broaden retail participation in the UAE's capital markets and provide investors with a government-backed, Sharia-compliant instrument that enables portfolio diversification within an advanced and transparent financial ecosystem.

The programme forms part of the Ministry of Finance's broader efforts to deepen local capital markets, expand access to innovative investment opportunities and further reinforce the UAE's position as a leading global financial centre offering diverse and sophisticated investment solutions.