UAE residents can invest in Retail Sukuk from $1,089 with Emirates Islamic app

The UAE Ministry of Finance (MoF) has strengthened its Retail Sukuk initiative by signing a new agreement with Emirates Islamic Bank, enabling citizens and residents to invest in Treasury Sukuk (T-Sukuk) through the bank’s digital platform.

The partnership represents the third agreement under the Retail Sukuk programme and forms part of wider national efforts to broaden financial inclusion and encourage long-term saving.

Under the initiative, investors will be able to purchase fractional T-Sukuk in smaller denominations directly through the EI + Mobile Banking App, with a minimum investment requirement of AED4,000 ($1,089).

The Ministry said the digital process is designed to offer a seamless, secure and fully compliant user experience.

UAE retail sukuk investment

Through the Emirates Islamic platform, UAE nationals and residents can complete registration online using their Emirates ID or UAE PASS, fulfil KYC requirements and create an investor risk profile.

Users can also access full T-Sukuk terms and transaction details, aligning with the Ministry’s goal of enhancing transparency and financial literacy.

Mariam Mohamed Al Amiri, Assistant Under-Secretary of Government Finance Management at the Ministry of Finance, said: “Our collaboration with Emirates Islamic Bank will contribute to significantly widening the reach of the Ministry’s initiatives to offer government financial instruments directly to individuals through secure and advanced digital channels.

“With leading national institutions joining the ‘Retail Sukuk’ initiative, we are further strengthening our efforts to enhance financial inclusion and giving more members of our community the opportunity to access stable, government-backed investment instruments.

“This initiative helps instil a culture of saving and sustainable investment among Emiratis and residents, while also strengthening the growth of the Islamic finance sector and supporting the development of local capital markets.

“By expanding institutional participation in offering secure and transparent financial products, we will reinforce the foundations of financial sustainability and contribute to the growth of key sectors and the UAE’s sustainable economic development.”

Islamic finance

Farid AlMulla, CEO of Emirates Islamic, said: “Emirates Islamic is proud to partner with the Ministry of Finance for the ‘Retail Sukuk’ initiative. This partnership reaffirms our continued prominence as a leading Shariah-compliant bank in the UAE. Enabling T-Sukuk on the EI + Mobile Banking App underscores the bank’s commitment in driving Islamic finance innovation.”

Mohammad Kamran Wajid, Deputy CEO of Emirates Islamic, said: “The Retail Sukuk initiative by the Ministry of Finance is truly a groundbreaking innovation. At Emirates Islamic, our focus remains on developing and delivering sophisticated products that cater to the evolving requirements of retail investors, thereby giving them access to wealth-building opportunities while adhering to the principles of Islamic Sharia.”

Investor education

All T-Sukuk issued by the Ministry of Finance will be listed on the Emirates Islamic platform. The bank will facilitate subscription and trading through primary allocations or secondary market transactions.

In addition, Emirates Islamic will enhance investor awareness through educational sessions, dedicated FAQs and regular surveys, ensuring customers have the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions.

The initiative forms part of the government’s broader objective to expand participation in secure, transparent, government-backed financial products.