Dubai, UAE, 18 July,2023:

National Bonds, a Shari’a-compliant savings and investment company, launched today the 12^th edition of the National Bonds Savings Index, an annual survey on the saving behaviour in the UAE. The 2023 annual survey has been conducted by Kantar, a leading data, insights and consulting company.

This year’s report indicated that 76% of participants are thinking about saving and investing in the UAE, particularly young individuals aged (21-29), both Emirati and Arab expats. This result demonstrates the increasing financial literacy among the younger generation, in which they have more access and connectedness to information.

According to the report, more than a third of respondents are looking forward towards retiring in the UAE. In addition, due to the stability of the UAE, which has led to a significant number of individuals, particularly expat Arabs, considering longer term investment opportunities within the country as well as 60% of Asians and Westerners respondents are eyeing the UAE as an investment destination.

Regarding this matter, Mohammed Qasim Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of National Bonds, commented: “National Bonds continues to innovate with new programs such as introducing customized plans to the different segments of the population. These plans are aimed to help individuals and corporates to invest in their future and support corporates with employee retention strategies. With over 8 million expats in the UAE today, we launched the Golden Pension Plan exclusively for employees. Our goal is to reach a broader audience, extend our impact, and benefit an even wider range of individuals.”

The report also reveals that 68% of those who have not saved yet, plan to save soon, mostly within the next six months to a year. Additionally, 52% of respondents, express their intention to increase investments in financial products within the next two years, affirming the importance of National Bonds efforts to provide suitable saving and investment solutions.

Commenting on this information, Mohammed Qasim Al Ali, said: “National Bonds launched the ‘Second Salary’ program as an integral part of our long-term commitments, devoted to providing exceptional savings plans in the UAE. This aligns with National Bonds programs aimed at generating supplementary income streams to support customers throughout the diverse phases of life.”

Despite the existence of the saving culture, 18% of respondents are uncertain about suitable savings avenues. This highlights the importance of National Bonds’ ongoing awareness campaigns focused on promoting financial knowledge, particularly given that 65% of respondents have liabilities.

Dependence on a single source of income is one of the major concerns for 33% of the respondents, particularly women in their 40s, according to the latest Savings Index from National Bonds. Both Emiratis and expats share key savings aspirations, including starting their own business, purchasing a home, and securing future education for themselves and their children. In addition, 64% of respondents are working towards establishing an emergency fund.

In this context, Mohammed Qasim Al Ali, stated: “National Bonds places a strong emphasis on providing savings and investment solutions that serve as invaluable resources during emergencies, with a steadfast commitment to fostering a saving culture among individuals.”

Commenting on 2023 Savings Index, Mohammed Qasim Al Ali, said: “Through this report, which first launched in 2011, we aim to spread and reinforce a savings-oriented mindset while tailoring National Bonds’ programs and schemes to align with people’s aspirations, ultimately enhancing their financial well-being.”