Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Finance, has launched the first UAE Dirham-denominated sovereign Sukuk accessible to individual investors through the ADIB Smart Sukuk Platform. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the UAE financial market, allowing retail investors to participate directly in government Sukuk in smaller denominations.
The launch supports the UAE’s commitment to financial inclusion, giving residents and nationals an opportunity to invest in Sharia-compliant government instruments digitally and securely.
ADIB Smart Sukuk Platform: Simplifying Investment Access
The ADIB Smart Sukuk Platform is a fully digital solution that enables investors to start with a minimum of AED 4,000. Traditional Ministry of Finance Sukuk typically require a minimum of AED 100,000, while USD-denominated Sukuk require USD 200,000. Investors can also add funds in increments of AED 4,000, up to AED 28,000 per transaction.
The platform allows UAE nationals and residents to register online, complete KYC requirements, create a risk profile, and view Sukuk terms, transaction details, profit distributions, maturity dates, and applicable fees. All transactions are carried out digitally, providing a smooth, transparent, and secure experience.
Expanding Access to Sharia-Compliant Government Investments
Through this collaboration, ADIB becomes the first bank in the UAE to offer retail access to UAE Government Sukuk. The platform lists all Sukuk issued by the Ministry of Finance, allowing investors to view and manage their investments in one place.
To encourage participation, ADIB will run educational programs and awareness campaigns on Sukuk investment. A dedicated cashback initiative will also reward investors, making the platform more attractive and supporting financial literacy across the UAE.
Driving Financial Inclusion and Economic Growth
The partnership reflects the UAE’s broader vision to deepen domestic capital markets, enhance financial inclusion, and expand access to sovereign investment opportunities. By allowing retail investors to invest in UAE Sukuk digitally, ADIB and the Ministry of Finance empower individuals to contribute to national economic growth in their own currency.
Mohamed Abdelbary, Group CEO of ADIB, said, “Our collaboration with the Ministry of Finance represents an important step in advancing the UAE’s financial market infrastructure. Introducing fractional UAE Sukuk through ADIB’s Smart Sukuk Platform makes sovereign investment opportunities accessible to a wider range of investors. This initiative combines technology with ethical banking principles to support the UAE’s economic development.”
ADIB’s Track Record in Sharia-Compliant Innovation
The Smart Sukuk Platform builds on ADIB’s history of innovation in Islamic finance. The platform currently hosts over 70 Sukuk listings and continues to attract retail investors seeking stable, transparent, and Sharia-compliant investment opportunities.
ADIB manages AED 270 billion in assets and provides Retail, Corporate, Business, Private Banking, and Wealth Management services. The bank operates across six strategic markets, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Qatar, and Iraq. ADIB has been recognized internationally for innovation in Islamic finance and ethical banking practices.
The bank has introduced products like the Ghina savings account and co-branded cards with Emirates Airlines, Etihad, and Etisalat. These offerings demonstrate ADIB’s commitment to making financial products accessible, convenient, and aligned with Sharia principles.
Empowering Retail Investors
Fractional sovereign Sukuk allow more individuals to participate in government investments. Investors can now manage smaller investments digitally while monitoring profits and maturity dates conveniently. This approach aligns with the UAE’s goals of increasing citizen and resident engagement in the local economy and supporting responsible investment practices.
Educational programs and cashback incentives further encourage investors to explore Sukuk investments, ensuring that more people understand and benefit from these financial instruments. The platform simplifies the investment journey, making government-backed, Sharia-compliant instruments accessible to everyone.
Strengthening the UAE Financial Market
The AED-denominated sovereign Sukuk for retail investors is a key step toward building a stronger local capital market. By providing access to fractional Sukuk digitally, ADIB helps create a more inclusive investment environment. This initiative supports the UAE’s vision of combining technological innovation with ethical finance to empower individuals and contribute to national economic growth.
Through the Smart Sukuk Platform, retail investors gain not only access to government investment instruments but also financial knowledge and tools to manage their investments responsibly. This initiative strengthens confidence in the local market while promoting financial literacy and participation across the UAE.
Conclusion
The launch of the first AED-denominated sovereign Sukuk for individual investors is a landmark development in the UAE financial market. Through ADIB’s Smart Sukuk Platform, retail investors can invest in Sharia-compliant government instruments easily, securely, and digitally.
This partnership between ADIB and the UAE Ministry of Finance reflects a shared commitment to financial inclusion, digital innovation, and economic growth. By making sovereign Sukuk accessible to a wider segment of investors, the initiative empowers individuals to play an active role in the UAE’s economic development while embracing ethical and Sharia-compliant financial practices.
ADIB continues to lead in Islamic finance innovation, combining digital solutions, transparency, and Sharia-compliant offerings to ensure a sustainable and inclusive financial future for all UAE residents.
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