Latest news with #NationalBonds'
Hi Dubai
14-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
National Bonds Expands Young Investor Programme to 50 Schools Across UAE
National Bonds has announced the nationwide expansion of its Young Investor Programme, aiming to reach 50 schools and engage 75,000 students across the UAE over the next three years. In partnership with the Knowledge Fund Establishment, the initiative builds on the success of its pilot phase launched in 11 Dubai schools, where it received strong support from students, parents, and educators. The programme blends theoretical learning with real-world financial applications, encouraging students to explore saving strategies, investment tools, and entrepreneurship. Over the coming years, participating students will be challenged to develop small-scale investment or business projects. Selected initiatives will undergo feasibility evaluations, with standout proposals receiving support and recognition to help bring them to life. As part of the programme, high school students recently attended hands-on workshops at National Bonds' headquarters, covering topics such as budgeting, market research, customer service, data analysis, and communication. A new group of Grade 11 and 12 students is expected to join during the upcoming summer break. The curriculum, originally designed for students in Grades 5 and 6, is being updated to reflect evolving financial trends, incorporating modules on artificial intelligence, digital currencies, and everyday money management. Rehab Lootah, Group Deputy CEO of National Bonds, said the pilot outcomes surpassed expectations, highlighting the programme's role in building financial confidence among youth. Ohood Al Ichlah from the Knowledge Fund Establishment echoed the sentiment, calling financial literacy a 'cornerstone of future success.' Launched in early 2024, the Young Investor Programme aims to instil a savings mindset while equipping students with the skills to make informed, responsible financial decisions for the future. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Hi Dubai
18-03-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE Residents Opt for Longer-Term Savings as Interest Rates Set to Decline
With interest rates expected to drop in line with the US Federal Reserve's anticipated cuts, UAE residents are increasingly opting for long-term savings to secure higher returns. Financial institutions have reported a surge in deposits as savers seek to lock in current high yields before they decline. 'People are choosing longer saving tenures, between three and 10 years, through products like our Millionaire product, Second Salary, and Booster schemes. They know rates will eventually drop, so they prefer securing returns of 3.5% to 4% for the next four to five years rather than renewing deposits annually at lower rates,' said Mohammed Qasim Al Ali, Group CEO of National Bonds. Shariah-compliant financial institutions offer profit rates instead of interest, attracting depositors looking for stable, risk-free returns. National Bonds' Second Salary savings programme allows residents to save from Dh1,000 per month with flexible tenures. Savings culture is growing across income levels, with National Bonds reporting a 51% increase in regular savers and 45,800 new customers in 2024. The company's investment portfolio surged to Dh15.8 billion, marking 22% growth. Customers earned up to 4.75% returns, benefiting from high interest rates. The company is also integrating AI-driven financial planning tools, including a robo-advisor to guide customers on savings strategies and debt management. Digital savings increased by 41% in 2024 due to these innovations. Additionally, National Bonds plans to expand its real estate portfolio with a new office tower in Barsha Heights by 2025. With economic conditions shifting, UAE residents are strategically positioning their finances, prioritizing structured savings to maximize returns before the anticipated interest rate cuts take effect. News Source: Khaleej Times
Hi Dubai
18-03-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
National Bonds Reports Record AED 15.8 Billion in Sukuk Investments
National Bonds has announced a record-breaking AED 15.8 billion (US$4.2 billion) in Sukuk investments by the end of 2024, marking a 22% increase from AED 12.9 billion in 2023. The surge is attributed to the growing number of regular savers and the adoption of digital savings solutions. The company distributed AED 588 million in returns to Sukuk holders for 2024, with top-tier savers earning up to 4.75%, while the overall average return stood at 4.02%. The number of regular savers grew by 51%, highlighting a rising preference for structured savings plans, aligning with the UAE's vision of financial security and sustainability. Digital adoption played a crucial role, with a 41% increase in digital savings in 2024, following enhancements to National Bonds' mobile application. Additionally, the company introduced an end-of-service benefits programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), set to launch this year. Mohammed Qasim Al Ali, Group CEO, emphasized National Bonds' commitment to building a future-ready savings ecosystem. 'We assess emerging trends and customer expectations to create solutions that foster financial resilience. This approach has fueled our 22% portfolio growth and strengthened customer confidence,' he stated. National Bonds follows a low-to-medium risk investment strategy, allocating 20% of its portfolio to bank deposits, 30-40% to fixed-income assets, 10-12% to listed equities, 8% to private equity, and 20% to real estate. The company's AED 36 million annual rewards program further encourages disciplined saving habits. With robust financial performance and strategic innovation, National Bonds continues to drive savings culture in the UAE, reinforcing its position as a trusted financial partner. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Zawya
17-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Empowering savers, building wealth: National Bonds strengthens commitment to financial prosperity
Dubai, United Arab Emirates — The growing commitment to financial security among UAE residents has fueled the success of structured savings schemes, with National Bonds leading the way. Positive saving sentiments—driven by trust, financial aspirations, and digital accessibility—have played a crucial role in this momentum. Customers are increasingly viewing savings as a path to empowerment rather than restriction, leading to stronger engagement and long-term commitment. This shift is evident in National Bonds' latest achievements, with its investment portfolio surging to AED 15.8 billion, marking an impressive 22% growth over the past year. The surge in regular savers, digital adoption, and corporate solutions reflects a nationwide shift towards structured financial planning. Backed by innovative offerings, strategic investments, and customer-focused initiatives, National Bonds continues to reinforce its role as a trusted financial partner for individuals and businesses alike. Strengthening this momentum, National Bonds has witnessed a 51% increase in regular savers. This growth underscores not only a heightened interest in structured savings but also a broader national movement towards a financially secure future—one that is closely aligned with the UAE's vision for economic diversification and long-term stability. While in 2024 alone, bondholders earned up to 4.75 % in returns on their savings. The Role of Digital Innovation Digital innovation remains at the core of National Bonds' growth strategy. The launch of the new mobile app has significantly enhanced accessibility, providing customers with seamless, real-time savings and investment management. In addition, the company has embraced artificial intelligence (AI) to personalize customer experiences and optimize engagement across multiple touchpoints. The integration of AI-driven insights and automated financial planning tools has led to a 41% increase in digital savings compared to 2023, reflecting the region's growing reliance on smart financial solutions. By continuously evolving its digital offerings, National Bonds is making saving more intuitive, efficient, and rewarding for individuals and businesses alike. Securing the Future of Employees and Corporations National Bonds has established itself as a beacon of pension and retirement planning in the UAE through pension solutions such as the Golden Pension Plan, in line with the UAE's growing focus on ensuring the long-term financial security of its workforce. Additionally, in 2024, it became one of the first entities to offer end-of-service schemes through a partnership with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), helping companies provide their employees with a secure financial future after retirement. Financial Literacy for the Next Generation In line with its commitment to fostering a savings culture, National Bonds has also prioritized financial education for younger generations. The company's 'Young Investor Program', launched in collaboration with the Knowledge Fund Establishment, reached 10 schools and 1,900 students in 2024. The initiative aims to equip the next generation of UAE residents with the financial literacy skills necessary for long-term financial stability. By introducing students to the basics of saving and investing, National Bonds is ensuring that tomorrow's financial leaders are grounded in responsible planning and decision-making. Further reinforcing its role as a financial empowerment leader, National Bonds has announced the launch of a free AI-based financial guidance service. In its annual Financial Resolutions Survey, 77% of respondents expressed a need for greater access to financial advice and planning tools to secure their futures. Responding to this demand, National Bonds is introducing AI-powered guidance to help individuals from all financial backgrounds navigate an evolving financial landscape with confidence. A National Vision for Financial Stability 'As we navigate through an ever-evolving financial landscape, National Bonds remains committed to empowering individuals and families to achieve their financial goals with confidence. Through innovative solutions, trusted partnerships, and an unwavering dedication to customer-centric values, we continue to lead the way in fostering financial security and stability for our clients in the UAE,' said Khalifa Al Daboos, Chairman of National Bonds. 'With an 18-year legacy of trust and innovation, we continue to evolve our offerings, integrating digital transformation and AI-driven insights to make saving more accessible, rewarding, and future-ready.' Our competitive returns also reflects the ongoing success of our balanced investment strategy in view of the prevailing volatilities in the global markets. 'As we embrace the digital era, our focus remains on leveraging technology to enhance customer experience and financial well-being. From AI-powered engagement to seamless digital savings, we are aligning our vision with national priorities to proactively meet the evolving financial needs of the future,' Al Daboos added. Mohammed Qasim Al Ali, Group CEO, added: 'At National Bonds, we take a proactive approach to understanding the future needs of individuals and businesses. By carefully assessing emerging trends and customer expectations, we are able to create products and solutions that align with the financial landscape of tomorrow. This foresight has contributed to a 22% year-on-year growth in our investment portfolio, while the 51% increase in regular savers reflects the confidence our customers place in our offerings. We focus on building a future-ready savings ecosystem that not only meets financial needs but also addresses the psychological barriers to saving, empowering customers to adopt positive saving behaviors with confidence.' 'Since our inception, National Bonds has remained committed to understanding both the financial and emotional aspects of saving. We aim to create a positive and encouraging environment that helps our customers overcome any challenges or hesitations about saving. Our AED 36 million annual rewards program and initiatives like luxury car prizes serve not only as tangible incentives but also as a way to inspire a disciplined savings culture. By addressing the factors that influence saving behavior, such as the power of positive sentiments, we help our customers build a sustainable saving mindset. As we continue to evolve, we will ensure our products and services align with the future financial aspirations of our customers.' -Ends- About National Bonds Corporation Sole Proprietorship PSC: National Bonds Corporation is a Sharia-compliant savings and investment company owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai, established in 2006. It is licensed and supervised by the Securities and Commodities Authority and is audited by the Dubai Government Audit Department, Sharia Supervisory Board as well as reputable International external auditors. The company provides UAE nationals, UAE residents, and non-residents with an opportunity to build and fortify their savings safety net, as well as invest in programs that offer competitive returns with lower risk. Its goal is to encourage disciplined savings habits for people across the 7 Emirates, in line with the UAE Government's Vision for a financially secure and sustainable future. National Bonds offers an exciting AED 36 Million Rewards Program to all savers, with monthly and quarterly prizes ranging from AED 1 million to various luxury cars.
Zawya
19-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
National Bonds: Retirement planning remains top financial goal
DUBAI: National Bonds, the UAE's leading Sharia-compliant savings and investment company, has released the results of its annual survey aimed at highlighting savers' financial aspirations, revealing that retirement planning remains the top financial priority for the second consecutive year. Increasing savings and setting aside funds for high-value purchases such as a home or a car also ranked high among respondents, highlighting the growing awareness of the importance of early financial planning and disciplined smart saving strategies. According to the survey, 40% of respondents reported being on track to meeting their 2024 financial goals, while 45% stated they had partially achieved their targets. Confidence levels regarding financial plans for 2025 varied, with 36% expressing complete confidence in reaching their financial aspirations. Meanwhile, younger generations are demonstrating increasing financial awareness, with 40% of Generation Z and 36% of Millennials expressing confidence in reaching their financial goals, compared to 32% of Generation X. Findings also show that 42% of males reported being on track to achieving their financial goals compared to 33% of females, women showed a stronger inclination to seek professional financial advice, with 78% open to financial guidance or use financial planning tools compared to 76% of men. Despite this both groups prioritized increasing their savings and planning for retirement as key financial goals. Furthermore, 94% of Emiratis were more inclined to consult financial advisors or use financial planning tools compared to 77% of expatriates. The survey also sheds light on the key challenges that individuals face in achieving their financial goals, with the rising cost of living and unexpected expenses cited as the primary obstacles. Rehab Lootah, Group Deputy CEO of National Bonds, emphasised, 'The results of this year's survey reflect a growing commitment among individuals to achieving financial stability, particularly in retirement planning. This aligns with National Bonds' mission to empower the community by offering innovative financial solutions that help customers turn their aspirations into reality, such as 'Second Salary' savings plan designed to help UAE nationals and expatriates build a supplementary retirement income, while 'My One Million' enable individuals to accelerate their journey toward AED 1 million in savings and cumulative profits.' She added, 'At National Bonds, we remain dedicated to fostering a strong savings culture in the UAE by providing tailored solutions that support individuals at every stage of their financial journey. In line with survey findings, we are excited to soon launch a free financial advisory service, ensuring expert guidance is accessible to anyone seeking to strengthen their financial future.' National Bonds continues to reward savers through its exclusive rewards programme, featuring an annual prize pool of AED36 million. The programme includes quarterly draws totalling AED8 million awarded to eight lucky UAE national and resident savers, 16 luxury cars, and a range of other exciting incentives designed to encourage consistent saving and financial discipline.
