Abu Dhabi Islamic has launched the UAE’s first dirham-denominated sovereign sukuk designed specifically for individual investors. The move, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, represents a major step forward for the local financial market. It also expands access to Sharia-compliant government instruments, since investors can finally participate at significantly lower entry points. Because the offer is fully digital, individuals can invest easily and securely through the bank’s smart sukuk platform.
Lower Entry Point and Fully Digital Access
Through the platform, investors can begin with a minimum of AED 4,000, compared with the usual AED 100,000 required for Ministry of Finance sukuk. They may also add investments in increments of AED 4,000, up to AED 28,000 per transaction. As a result, participation becomes far more flexible for retail investors. The digital interface allows users to register online, complete KYC requirements, build a risk profile, and review sukuk terms, profit distribution schedules, maturity timelines, and fees. UAE nationals and residents can access all sukuk issued by the Ministry of Finance directly through the platform. Additionally, educational sessions and awareness campaigns will encourage broader understanding of sukuk investments, while a cashback initiative is set to drive early engagement.
Supporting Inclusion and Strengthening Local Markets
The initiative aims to enhance financial inclusion and deepen the domestic sukuk market by opening sovereign investment opportunities to a wider community. It also supports the UAE’s broader goal of strengthening local capital markets and allowing individuals to contribute to national economic growth in their own currency. On the ministry’s collaboration, ADIB Group CEO Mohamed Abdelbary said it represents an important step in advancing the UAE’s financial market infrastructure and enabling wider participation in the nation’s growth. He added: “By introducing fractional UAE sukuk through ADIB’s Smart Sukuk Platform, we are making sovereign investment opportunities more accessible to a broader segment of investors while reaffirming our commitment to driving innovation in Sharia-compliant finance. This partnership reflects our vision to support the UAE’s economic development by combining technology with ethical banking principles.” He also noted that the platform now hosts more than 70 sukuk listings and continues to attract investors seeking stable, transparent, and Sharia-aligned opportunities.
