UAE Retail T-Sukuk 2026: How to Invest From Dh1,000, Who Can Apply, and Why It Matters?
The UAE has opened a new investment opportunity for residents and citizens with the launch of its first-ever Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk Programme. For the first time, individuals can invest directly in government-backed, Shariah-compliant securities with a minimum investment of just Dh1,000, making sovereign investments more accessible than ever.
UAE Retail T-Sukuk
A Treasury Sukuk (T-Sukuk) is a government-issued Islamic investment certificate that complies with Shariah principles. Similar to conventional government bonds, T-Sukuk provides investors with returns while adhering to Islamic finance rules. The programme issued by the UAE Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Central Bank of the UAE.
The initiative aims to encourage saving and investing among individuals, improve financial inclusion, and provide access to secure government-backed investment products.
Who can Invest in UAE T-Sukuk?
To qualify for the Retail T-Sukuk programme, investors must:
- Must be an UAE citizen or resident
- Hold a valid Emirates ID
- Have a valid Dubai Financial Market (DFM) National Investor Number (NIN)
Additional eligibility criteria can be found in the official offering documents issued by the Ministry of Finance.
The Retail T-Sukuk programme exclusively designed for eligible retail and individual investors, meaning professional investors are not permitted to participate.
UAE T-Sukuk Subscription Dates 2026
The first Retail T-Sukuk issuance opens for subscription from June 24, 2026, at 8:00 AM and closes on June 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM, giving investors five business days to subscribe.
How to Apply for Retail T-Sukuk?
Eligible investors can subscribe through the following digital channels:
The entire subscription process is digital, allowing investors to complete their application online without visiting a branch or submitting physical paperwork, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
How to Obtain a DFM National Investor Number (NIN)
A DFM National Investor Number (NIN) is mandatory for subscribing to Retail T-Sukuk.
Investors who do not already have a NIN can apply through:
- DFM App
- iVestor App
- Licensed brokerage firms
Additional guidance on obtaining a NIN and completing the onboarding process is available on the DFM website.
Investment Limits
The minimum investment amount is Dh1,000, equivalent to one Sukuk certificate.
Additional investments must be made in multiples of Dh1,000. While there is no maximum subscription limit, the UAE Government reserves the right to scale back larger allocations if necessary.
Maturity and Returns
- The inaugural Retail T-Sukuk issuance has a two-year maturity period.
- Investors will earn a fixed profit rate throughout the term, which will announce before issuance and remain unchanged until maturity.
- Profit payments will be distributed semi-annually, resulting in four payouts over the two-year period.
Can i need to Pay any Fees / Charges for investing?
There are no subscription fees for investing in Retail T-Sukuk.
However, investors may incur charges related to holding or trading the Sukuk, such as brokerage, custody, exchange, or other service-provider fees, depending on applicable policies.
What happens, if Demand exceeds Supply?
Should subscriptions surpass the available issuance amount, allocations may be reduced on a proportional basis in line with the allocation methodology outlined in the offering documents.
Investors may therefore receive fewer units than requested. Any excess funds from unallocated subscriptions will be refunded after the allocation process, and investors will be notified of their final allocation.
Can Investors Sell Before Maturity?
Yes. Following issuance, Retail T-Sukuk will be listed on Nasdaq Dubai and available for trading on the secondary market.
Investors who wish to access their funds before maturity can sell their holdings, subject to market conditions and buyer availability. The sale price may be higher or lower than the original investment amount depending on market movements.
Is a Buyer Guaranteed?
No. There is no guaranteed buyer for Retail T-Sukuk in the secondary market, and there is no lock-in period. Trading activity depends on prevailing market conditions, although liquidity providers may offer quotes to support market transactions.
What happens when the Retail T-Sukuk Matures?
Investors who hold the Sukuk until maturity will receive their full principal investment along with any outstanding profit payment, subject to the issuance terms.
No action required at maturity, as proceeds will be automatically credited to the investor’s portfolio account through the relevant service provider.
Can Non-Residents Invest on T-Sukuk?
Initial subscriptions restricted to eligible UAE nationals and UAE residents. However, once listed on Nasdaq Dubai, the Sukuk may traded in the secondary market through authorised brokers, potentially allowing non-residents to participate.
Future Retail T-Sukuk Issuances
The Ministry of Finance plans to introduce similar investment products on a regular basis, including both T-Sukuk and conventional T-Bonds. Future issuances expected to have maturities of up to seven years and offered at least once every quarter.
Important Considerations Before Investing
The Ministry of Finance encourages investors to carefully review all offering documents and evaluate whether Retail T-Sukuk aligns with their financial objectives and personal circumstances before making an investment decision.