National Bonds Rewards Minor Bondholders with Eid Prizes for Seventh Consecutive Year

Dubai, UAE, September 14, 2016: For the seventh year in a row, National Bonds Corporation (National Bonds), ‎the leading sharia-compliant savings and investment company in the UAE, is distributing ‘Eidiyah’ to more than ‎‎500 lucky minor bondholders. Eidiyah is an annual initiative that rewards minor bondholders via special electronic ‎draws for AED50 and a grand draw for AED50,000 - held on the first day of Eid Al Adha.‎

In its sustained efforts to encourage financial literacy in children and young people, National Bonds also allocates ‎‎200 daily and round-the-year prizes of AED50 for minors as part of its rewards program that is considered the ‎largest in the country.‎

Eidiyah is a gesture of appreciation, designed to reward minors who have adopted the culture of saving on a ‎regular basis and undertake responsible financial decisions - even during the general spending spree that prevails ‎on occasions such as Eid.‎

Speaking on the initiative, Mohammed Qasim Al-Ali, CEO of National Bonds, said: "The Eidiyah tradition at ‎National Bonds has transformed into an annual ritual that we now leverage to encourage the younger generation ‎to save regularly. Through this initiative, we also help minors to better understand the value of money and educate ‎them about securing a stable future for themselves, their families and society as a whole.”‎

He added: “Year on year, we are witnessing great improvement in the financial behavior of minors and young ‎adults - who make up 50% of the UAE population. They play a pivotal role in ensuring a bright future for the country ‎and in helping to achieve its growth objectives. Initiatives like the UAE Youth Empowerment Strategy also motivate ‎and drive responsible financial practices and active participation in programs that achieve sustainable growth and ‎prosperity.‎

‎“At National Bonds, we believe that the family is a key pillar of our society and has the biggest influence in raising a ‎responsible individual. We seek to raise awareness among families about the importance of bringing up their ‎children with a culture of saving, and holding them responsible for their own budget management. This will ‎educate them in optimally managing their finances and guide them in making mature spending decisions in the ‎future.”‎

Notably, since its inception in 2006, National Bonds has distributed more than AED124 million to minor ‎bondholders. Of this amount, lucky female minor bondholders won 48%, while 52% of the amount was won by ‎male minor bondholders.‎

National Bonds aims to raise awareness among all segments of society, regardless of nationality and age, about ‎the importance of saving. In addition, the company provides its customers with tailored programs to help them ‎save on a regular basis. The Sanadi plan in particular, is an ideal option for families to secure a financially stable ‎future through takaful coverage that provides protection for life, employment, and critical illnesses, among others.‎

National Bonds, which is licensed and regulated by the UAE Central Bank, provides UAE nationals, as well as ‎residents and non-residents with a credible and safe savings opportunity. Minors can also own National Bonds ‎provided the bonds are purchased by the parent/guardian. Each bond costs AED10, with a minimum purchase ‎option of AED100.‎