The UAE Ministry of Finance has announced the launch of a new five-year Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk, open to residents including the country's large expatriate population. This Shariah-compliant government investment instrument requires a minimum subscription of Dh1,000. The official annual profit rate for this issuance is scheduled to be announced on September 22, 2026. This marks the second retail issuance under the Ministry of Finance's Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk Programme, designed to provide individual investors direct access to government-backed Islamic debt instruments. The five-year maturity offers a long-term investment horizon compared to short-term savings products. Investors are cautioned not to assume the 4.30% annual profit rate from the previous two-year issuance will apply, as the current pricing will depend on prevailing market conditions and specific issue terms.
Subscriptions can be made via the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) eIPO subscription platform, the DFM app, the iVestor app, and digital channels of participating banks. Emirates NBD serves as the lead receiving bank, supported by Emirates Islamic, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Ajman Bank, Mashreq, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, and First Abu Dhabi Bank. Prospective investors should ensure their Dubai Financial Market Investor Number (NIN) and bank account details are active before the subscription opens.
The inaugural issuance saw high demand, with Dh445 million in subscription orders against a Dh50 million target, leading the Ministry to increase the size to Dh100 million. Data indicated that 76% of subscriptions were for Dh10,000 or less, with UAE nationals comprising 72% of investors and a combined 45% of subscribers coming from women and those under 25 years old.
Following settlement, the T-Sukuk will be listed on Nasdaq Dubai, allowing for secondary market trading. While this offers liquidity, investors are reminded that secondary market prices may fluctuate based on interest rates and market demand, potentially resulting in capital gains or losses before the maturity date. Unlike traditional bank deposits, this sovereign security involves different liquidity and pricing risks. Prospective investors are advised to verify all terms via official channels such as the Ministry of Finance or participating banks and to avoid unofficial social media claims regarding rates or allocations.
