The UAE Ministry of Finance has announced the launch of the “Retail Sukuk” initiative, a pioneering programme that allows citizens and residents to invest directly in government-backed Treasury Sukuk (T-Sukuk).
The initiative marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen financial inclusion and empower individuals to participate actively in the national economy.
The new scheme aims to democratize access to sovereign investment opportunities that were traditionally reserved for institutional investors. For the first time, individual investors will be able to invest in government financial instruments, offering them a safe and stable avenue to grow their savings while contributing to the UAE’s broader development vision.
According to the Ministry, the “Retail Sukuk” initiative is designed to encourage a culture of saving and responsible financial planning among citizens and residents. It will also provide a direct link between individual investors and the government’s financial framework, allowing the public to participate in the UAE’s economic success story.
The programme will be activated in cooperation with national banks, ensuring that the process of investment is accessible and straightforward. The Ministry confirmed that investments in retail T-Sukuk will be made available through participating banks, with the first bank to be announced on November 3, 2025.
By involving the banking sector, the government aims to ensure that citizens have multiple entry points to participate in the initiative. The involvement of local banks also enhances transparency and strengthens trust in the financial ecosystem, further positioning the UAE as a regional leader in innovative economic policies.
The Ministry emphasized that the launch of Retail Sukuk aligns with the UAE’s strategic objectives of sustainable economic diversification and inclusive financial development. It is also part of the broader effort to enhance the role of individuals in national growth while promoting stability within the domestic financial market.
Sukuk, often referred to as Islamic bonds, are compliant with Shariah principles and offer investors returns without engaging in interest-based transactions. The Treasury Sukuk program, introduced in 2023, has been instrumental in deepening the local debt capital market and supporting fiscal sustainability.
With the retail version now available, the government aims to extend these benefits to a wider audience.
Economic analysts have lauded the move, calling it a progressive step toward building a more inclusive economy. By giving everyday investors access to low-risk government securities, the Ministry is not only promoting personal wealth management but also reinforcing national financial resilience.
As the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a global financial hub, initiatives like Retail Sukuk reflect the country’s commitment to empowering individuals, fostering innovation, and sustaining growth.
This landmark programme underscores the government’s vision of ensuring that every citizen and resident can play an active role in shaping the nation’s prosperous economic future.