Leevyn Isabel details the key benefits of
establishing a foundation in the UAE, explaining how they provide
both expats and UAE nationals with a local solution to protect
their assets and make succession planning
arrangements.
Although only first introduced to the UAE in 2017, foundations
have become an integral part of the UAE's wealth management
offering and are now present in three of the UAE's free zones
(DIFC, ADGM, RAKICC).
Composition of a foundation
An independent legal entity, foundations provide the founder
with an opportunity to consolidate their wealth in one vehicle at
the same time as segregating their personal wealth from their
commercial interests (although these can also be owned by a
foundation) by bestowing assets to the foundation which owns the
assets in its name. With no shareholders, the foundation is an
"orphan" entity and both it, and the assets it holds, are
managed in accordance with the foundation's charter in support
of a purpose
