The individual savings system in the United Arab Emirates is experiencing rapid development, driven by a diverse range of financial tools and a growing awareness of the importance of long-term financial planning. The available options now range from traditional savings accounts and bank deposits to institutional savings programs, government sukuk, and innovative investment solutions including those tied to gold.
One of the most notable tools in this landscape is the Individual Sukuk initiative, which allows individual investors to invest in government treasury bonds compliant with Islamic law through digital channels provided by participating banks across the nation.
This initiative represents a strategic move to enhance financial inclusion and broaden the investor base for government financial instruments, enabling citizens and residents to invest amounts starting from just 4,000 AED. This aligns with the commitment of the leadership to economically empower the community.
The Ministry of Finance has entered into several agreements within the Individual Sukuk initiative with local banks, aiming to empower citizens and residents to invest in Sharia-compliant government treasury bonds, characterized by low risk, making them a suitable choice for individuals seeking stability and regular returns.
In this context, the National Sukuk Group, which specializes in Sharia-compliant savings and investment, has played a vital role in promoting savings culture in the UAE since its establishment in 2006, offering a comprehensive range of products tailored to various individual segments.
The company provides flexible savings programs that allow individuals to start with modest amounts, along with regular savings plans designed to help build capital gradually.
Mohammed Qasim Al Ali, the CEO of the National Sukuk Group, stated in a comment to Emirates News Agency (WAM) that levels of savings in the country have increased due to heightened awareness and the diversity and flexibility of financial products in conjunction with the rapid digital transformation.
He noted that the company has achieved levels exceeding 18 billion AED by 2025, reflecting the strength and resilience of the UAE’s economy, with a labor market that continues to attract talent from around the globe.
He further mentioned that minimum investment in the National Sukuk starts from just 100 AED, in stark contrast to some other sukuk that may require large amounts reaching up to 200,000 USD.
Al Ali revealed that the company is currently updating its rewards program and launching new products, including savings plans aimed at families collectively to facilitate financial stability and health.
He praised the Individual Sukuk initiative launched by the Ministry of Finance, underscoring that promoting a savings culture should not be the responsibility of one entity alone, but rather part of an integrated system that the state aims to establish.
Banks operating in the country offer a broad spectrum of savings programs that combine flexibility and returns, including both conventional and investment savings accounts that provide stable and Sharia-compliant profit returns without tying up depositors’ funds.
The savings programs also encompass term deposits, which are traditional savings tools offering fixed returns in exchange for freezing funds for a specified period, ranging from days to several years, along with various return structures. Additionally, there are savings programs linked to draw prizes, giving customers the chance to win cash prizes periodically while preserving their savings, thus enhancing the attractiveness of saving.
According to data from the Central Bank of the UAE, savings deposits and term deposits in the country have shown steady growth over recent months and years, reaching record levels. By the end of January 2026, savings deposits totaled 413.568 billion AED, while term deposits exceeded 1.186 trillion AED.
Numerous international organizations emphasize the significance of saving; a research paper by the OECD highlights a growing trend among governments worldwide to encourage their citizens to increase their savings, indicating that personal saving and investment are crucial for achieving individual financial well-being and overall economic growth.