The UAE Ministry of Finance has set the annual profit rate for the second issuance of its Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk programme at 5.06 per cent, opening the door for everyday investors to put money into a government-backed savings product with a fixed return.
Subscriptions open on September 23 and close on September 28, giving UAE nationals and residents a five-day window to apply. The five-year sukuk has a target size of Dh50 million, with a minimum subscription of just Dh1,000, keeping the entry point accessible to individual savers rather than institutional investors alone.
How to subscribe
Investors can apply through several digital channels: the Dubai Financial Market's eIPO platform, the iVestor app, the DFM app, and participating banks. Emirates NBD has been appointed lead receiving bank for the issuance, working alongside Emirates Islamic, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Ajman Bank, Mashreq, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Allocation is scheduled for September 29, with issuance and the refund of any excess subscription funds following on September 30. The sukuk is then set to be listed on Nasdaq Dubai, with trading beginning on October 1.
Returns paid twice a year
Profit distributions on the sukuk will be paid semi-annually, giving holders a regular income stream over the five-year term rather than a single payout at maturity.
The launch follows what the ministry described as strong demand for the inaugural retail sukuk offering. Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, said the second issuance "marks another step forward in strengthening the UAE's government investment ecosystem," pointing to "the strong investor appetite and demand generated by the inaugural offering."
Al Hussaini added that the digital-first subscription process was designed with everyday investors in mind: "Making subscriptions available through approved digital platforms and designated banking channels helps simplify the process for individuals and families, while offering secure investment options that support long-term financial planning."
Why it matters for residents
For UAE nationals and residents looking for a low-entry, fixed-income investment backed by the government, the retail T-Sukuk programme offers a straightforward route into sovereign debt markets that has traditionally been reserved for larger institutional players. With a Dh1,000 minimum and a range of familiar banking and digital channels for subscription, the structure is aimed squarely at individual savers and families rather than professional investors.
The five-day subscription window means those interested will need to act promptly, with allocation and listing following in quick succession over the following days.
Reported by Khaleej Times.
